Learning and mastering the right roof maintenance and care tips can help protect your investment and ensure the structural integrity of your home. You must maintain regular maintenance to shield your roof from harsh elements and prevent water damage and other related problems that can threaten the entire structure’s performance. Below we’ll look at four major maintenance and care tips you can engage in to avoid costly repairs and extend your roof’s lifespan.
Clean Your Gutters More Often
Clean gutters are responsible for seamless water flow from your roof to a designated water tank or dumping area on the ground. Leaving dirt and debris to clog the gutters can cause water buildup, leading to roof damage if not addressed on time. The water buildup can overflow and accumulate around your house’s foundation, causing foundational challenges to your structure.
Gutters can accumulate waste and clog faster if tree branches hang closely over the roof. It’s important to clean your gutters every two years for effective performance. You can schedule standalone gutter cleaning services or go for a complete professional roof cleaning service to give your roof the aesthetic sparkle it has missed over the years.
Inspect and Repair Your Flashing
Without secure flashing, your roof can start leaking at or near the joints and the edges where the roof meets other surfaces such as skylights and chimneys. To avoid getting caught off guard by impromptu leaks, ensure you regularly inspect your flashing and schedule necessary repairs before the damage extends.
While it’s recommended to inspect flashings every year, have them inspected after a heavy storm or a thorough cleaning you suspect might have caused extensive damage to your roof. You can check for any signs of cracking, lifting, or rusting. Regardless of the type of damage found, ensure it’s repaired immediately to prevent the worsening of the situation to attract even more expensive repair.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches can have damaging effects on your roof if left unattended for a long time. They can rub against your roof, causing damage to your shingles, especially during high wind seasons. The repeated back-and-forth movement can also loosen the protective granules from your shingles, exposing the underlying materials to harsh elements. In worse scenarios, some branches might fall off your roof during storms, causing expensive damages.
To keep safe, maintain a clearance of between 10 feet between the branches and roof edges. This safe distance keeps the branches from swaying over your roof and causing damage. You could also prune the branches as often as needed to ensure they don’t pose a risk to your roof.
Know When to Hire a Professional
While some of the common roof maintenance roles are easy DIY projects, some need the careful touch of an experienced professional. If you have to perform complex repairs, yearly inspections or install protective measures, then hiring a professional would be the best approach.
However, simpler tasks like cleaning the gutter or pruning shorter trees may not need the intervention of a professional team. It is important to understand your capabilities so you can know when to opt for DIY or professional solutions.
By sticking to these four main roofing maintenance and care tips, you can prolong your roof’s lifespan and ensure its continued protection for years to come. Regardless of the level of damage sustained, if you’re unsure of how to approach any problem, ensure you consult with a reliable professional for effective repair.
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