The average residential roof can last for up to 30 years before you’ll need to consider replacing it. But you might not be able to get that much life out of it if you don’t do the right roof maintenance.
Roofing maintenance can ultimately make or break your roof. If you don’t work on maintaining your roof on a regular basis, you will likely need to take on more roof repairs than you would have to otherwise. You might also be put in a position where you’ll have to install a new roof on your home sooner than expected.
We’ve created a basic roof maintenance guide to help homeowners tend to their roofs. Check it out below and make sure you’re making roofing maintenance a top priority from now on.
Inspect Your Roof From the Ground Level Every So Often
When is the last time you looked up at your roof to see what kind of condition it’s in? If it’s been a while now, inspecting your roof from the ground level would be a great place to start.
By simply sneaking a quick peek at your roof, you’ll be able to see if you have any missing roof shingles that need to be replaced. You’ll also be able to see if there is anything else you should be worried about when it comes to your roof.
Try to take a look up at your roof every few weeks, if not more often. It’ll give you a better indication of whether or not you need to do any roof maintenance right away.
Remove Leaves, Sticks, and Other Debris From Your Roof
Throughout the course of the year, you’re going to find that leaves, sticks, and other debris will pile up on your roof at certain points. It’ll be up to you to get them off your roof ASAP.
If you allow debris to build up on your roof, it won’t be long before moisture starts to build up on it, too. And obviously, all of this moisture won’t be good for your roof as it could potentially begin to work its way down into the various levels of your roof before getting into your home.
By simply removing debris from your roof, you’ll prevent it from causing any problems that could lead to a need for major roof repairs.
Trim Trees That Hang Over the Top of Your Roof
If you have any trees that hang over the top of your roof, trimming them will be of the utmost importance. Doing this will stop a lot of leaves, sticks, etc. from landing on your roof and forcing you to clean them off.
Trimming trees will also prevent larger branches from breaking off, falling on your roof, and doing roof damage. You should either trim trees yourself or call on a tree service to take care of this for you.
Clean Moss, Mildew, Mold, and Algae Off Your Roof
If any portion of your roof is ever covered in shade, you might find that moss, mildew, mold, and/or algae will begin to grow on it. These things can turn parts of your roof green and make it look unsightly.
They can also do more than just make your roof look bad. They can trap moisture on your roof, too, which could lead to roof damage down the line if you aren’t careful.
It would be worth cleaning your roof before your moss, mildew, moss, and/or algae problem starts to spiral out of control. It won’t take too long for them to set shop and wreak havoc on your roof, so you should act fast to limit the impact they’re able to have on it.
Replace Any Damaged Flashing Found on Your Roof
You likely have a number of vents, pipes, chimneys, etc. coming up through the top of your roof. There is what is known as flashing around each of them.
Flashing is a thin piece of metal that is designed to stop rainwater from working its way into your home through the cracks that surround vents, pipes, chimneys, etc. If any of your roof’s flashing is ever damaged or missing, you will need to replace it as soon as you can to prevent your roof from leaking.
Search For Signs of Leaks in Your Roof
If you have any leaks in your roof, it shouldn’t be too hard to tell. Just go up in your home’s attic and look at your roof. If you see any spots where the sun is shining through, it means you have a leak.
You might also see water stains on ceilings, walls, etc. when you have a roof leak. Whatever the case, it won’t take long for a small roof leak to turn into a big one, so you should spring into action when your roof is leaking and get it fixed quickly.
Hire a Roofing Company to Make Important Roof Repairs
Making roof repairs is not for the average DIYer. You’ll need to call on a roofing company to make roof repairs so that they’re done correctly.
You should search for a reputable roofing company in your area and have them on speed dial so that you’re able to reach out to them for all your roof repair needs. They can help you keep your roof in tip-top condition at all times.
Contact Us for All Your Roof Maintenance and Repair Needs
Do you need a hand with roof maintenance and/or roof repairs? You can rely on our roofing company for all your residential roof needs.
We specialize in working on asphalt roofs, metal roofs, and more. We hope that you’ll consider calling on us the next time you need your home’s roof inspected, maintained, or repaired.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with a roofing expert.