Roof Maintenance Tips For Homeowners

Roof Maintenance Tips For Homeowners

Your roof is an integral component of the structure of your home. It also protects your valuable investment. Therefore, roofs should receive proper care and maintenance. Most roof lasts for more than 20 years, depending on the material used. That is why all homeowners must understand that it is their responsibility to regularly check on their roofing to extend its lifespan. Many find it daunting to repair and maintain the roof. Here are some useful roof maintenance tips for homeowners.

1. Clean Your Roof, Gutters

Sweep or blow off debris such as leaf, rocks, sticks on the roof. Additionally, this cause algae to grow and eventually clog your gutters. When left unchecked, moulds, algae can deteriorate your shingles and will lead to roof leaks. It is also important to clean your gutters and downspouts, particularly during the fall. This will help to keep your roof clear from blockages and ease moisture from your roof. Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to keep water flowing properly. Uncleaned roof and gutters can cause water to back up into the attic and other interior areas of your home which can cause more damages.

2. Trim Your Trees

Trim branches of large trees near your home, most especially those that hang over your roof. This can protect your home from damages caused by broken limbs falling on the roof, debris accumulation and to keep animals away from your roof. Large branches may puncture your roof as they grow, so better trim it short before it reaches your roof.

3. Repair Small Leaks Immediately

Roof leaks no matter how small will always get worse if not repaired immediately. Do not wait until leaks become bigger that may eventually damage bigger area of the roof.

4. Inspect Joints, Seals, Flashing

Most frequent leak spots are Joints, seals and flashing. This should be regularly inspected for damage. Flashing is installed on the roof to protect edges, valleys and connection joints of roofing and obstructions such as chimneys, dormers, and vent pipes. This is a common hotspot of leaks. If you notice leaks around your chimney or at the corners of your roofing, it is most probably your flashing. It may be installed incorrectly or there are holes in the flashing. This may be a work for roofing professionals to do or you can reseal the joints.

5. Check Attic Insulation

Right insulation can stop your roof from damages like warping and it can also serve as an additional safety measure during a snow or ice storm. Proper Insulation can prevent snow and ice from melting and then refreezing, which can cause water damage to your roof. Moreover, during rain to prevent moisture build up that may rust and damage your roof material.

6. Replace Damaged Shingels

Also one of roof maintenance tips for homeowners is to check for missing, curling or damaged shingles and other signs of wear and tear. It’s very easy to replace one or two shingles.

7. No Pests

If you notice pests like rats or insects, take measure to have it properly sealed. Pest infestations are more common during the winter, as many rodents or birds try to escape the cold weather. When this happens, wiring, pipes, timber frames of your roof may be destroyed. This may also leads to a hole in the roof, soffits, or fascia, or leave dents on the roof. Additionally, your roof’s ventilation can be compromised. If your roof and attic are infested by insects, you may call exterminator to do it for you. And if your roof is relatively new, provide insect screens or mesh to vents, chimneys etc.

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