Having a roof that is well maintained and free from leaks is an essential part of protecting your home. Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against the weather and is the primary means of preventing damage to the structure and its contents. It also protects your family from less obvious dangers. If you notice any leaks, you should report them to a contractor.
In addition to protecting your home, a well-maintained roof will also extend the life of your home. A roof that is properly inspected will allow you to detect potential problems before they occur. This will help prevent costly repairs. If you have a metal roof, cleaning the gutters is important each year. This will help prevent water from damaging the fascia and siding, which can result in rotting.
A roof can also be damaged by excessive sun exposure. Moss, algae, and lichens can develop on a roof, which can result in significant damage. To prevent moss and algae growth, keep the area around the roof clear of leaves and other debris. You can also use moss control strips that can be placed between shingles and lead control strips that can be placed around the perimeter of the roof.
You should also make sure that your downspouts are clear of debris. Debris can block water flow to your roof drains and can cause water to back up under shingles, creating a dam. Water can damage your insulation and wood framing. It can also create moisture in your crawl space.
During major storms, tree limbs can fall onto your roof and cause severe damage. If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather, you should make it a point to inspect your roof twice a year. This will help you to detect problems before they occur and make repairs before they become more serious.
Another important part of roof maintenance is cleaning up after storms. When storms come, branches can fall into your roof and scrape asphalt shingles. You can also trim tree branches away from your home to reduce the risk of damage from storms. Tree limbs growing close to your home can also provide an easy entrance for critters.
If you live in an area where there is significant snow accumulation on your roof, you should make it a point to rake it off your roof as soon as possible. This will help reduce the risk of your roof collapsing and will also help prevent the build-up of ice dams.
If you suspect that you have a roof leak, you should have it repaired as soon as possible. If you notice any stains on your ceiling or attic, you should also have the problem fixed. This can prevent costly repairs and damage to your home.
In addition to keeping your roof in tip-top shape, regular roof maintenance will prevent critters from entering your attic, which can leave biohazard. If you notice any critters in your attic, you should clean the area with a mixture of bleach and detergent.
Roof Maintenance Tips For Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Roof
