A roof is an unquestionably important component of any home. It provides shelter, stability, warmth, and protection. When a roof is damaged, it can have big implications for the rest of the house. This is why it’s important that homeowners do their very best to maintain the integrity of their roofs with proper upkeep and care.
Although roofs are generally strong and sturdy, this doesn’t mean they are immune to wear and tear or incapable of being damaged. There are certain ways homeowners can and must help to sustain the longevity of their roofs. These roof maintenance tips will show you how.
Inspect Your Shingles Regularly
There are differing opinions about exactly how regularly you should inspect your shingles, but it’s not in dispute that you should be doing so on a regular basis. Whether you do it once a year, twice a year, or every season, don’t skip this essential roof maintenance step.
If you live in an area that has particularly harsh weather at times, it might be a good idea to inspect them more often. Replacing loose shingles as they happen will put off the need for a complete overhaul until much further down the line.
Look Out for Moss and Lichen
Aside from being unsightly, things like moss, algae, or lichen can also signal the possibility of material decay underneath. These growths tend to occur during the summertime, particularly in areas that are shaded.
When you do see any of these present on your roof, you should clean them or have them cleaned by a professional as soon as possible. You should also apply a preventative treatment around once a year to stop these growths from returning. Again, a professional can assist with this.
Clean Those Gutters Often
Cleaning gutters can be an arduous task, but it’s also an essential one. Rain gutters catch and carry precipitation and other debris away from your roof, which helps to keep it in good condition.
Gutters that are filled with moss, leaves, or sludge will not be able to carry out this important task properly, which is why it’s wise to clean your gutters at least twice a year, no matter how tedious a chore it may be.
Trim Encroaching Tree Branches
Like a roof, one of the main functions of tree branches and canopies is to provide warmth and protection. But despite similarities, they may share, sometimes, tree branches and roofs can find themselves at odds with one another.
If there are branches growing near or onto any part of your roof, it is wise to trim them often. If you don’t, it’s possible they can scratch and damage your roof, especially during stormy weather.
Seek Professional Help
For certain things, like roof inspections, and shingle or caulk replacement, it might be wise to seek the help of a professional roofing company. It can be instinctual to want to save money by doing some of the work yourself, but as Salt Lake City-based Far West Roofing says: making sure that the roof will protect a building and its occupants from the elements is well worth the investment.
A Few Final Roof Maintenance Tips
One common thread running through all of the above roof maintenance tips is the notion of vigilance. Looking out for your roof is looking after it. Do inspections regularly, and catch any problems early.
If you’ve enjoyed these roof-related tips, check out the rest of our home improvement content.
