While you may not think of it often, your roof is constantly above your head, protecting you and your family from the effects of the outside world. However, it can only do its job if you take care of it. Even though it may not always be at the forefront of your mind, you still need to dedicate time to its maintenance routinely.
If you are already seeing signs of damage, it’s best to call a roof repair and replacement company for an official inspection. However, here are a few simple preventative measures you can regularly take to avoid future damage and high repair costs.
- Clean the Gutters
Many people know that clogged gutters can damage the foundation of your house, but few understand that this problem can harm the roof as well. If rainwater accumulates significantly in gutters, it can infiltrate its structure. This phenomenon can weaken the structural integrity of the roof.
While a leaf may not seem like it can cause many problems, a build-up can be catastrophic. Consider checking your gutters every few months or after significant storms. Thunderstorms with high winds can knock many leaves loose, causing build-ups to occur much more quickly.
- Trim Overhanging Branches
If overhanging branches are left unattended, then they can fall and damage the roof. Large branches can create holes that will require immediate attention. Even if the branches themselves do not fall, the build-up of falling leaves can also be troublesome for your roof. Taking care of overhanging branches before they have a chance to cause a problem is often the best course of action.
- Inspect Regularly
Sometimes small leaks, holes, and tears are not easy to spot until they grow into a much larger problem. However, if you take some time regularly to inspect your roof, or hire a professional to do so, you can ensure that small problems do not blossom into massive ones.
One do-it-yourself tip is to use a binocular. It is safer than trying to go on the roof yourself and cheaper than hiring a contractor. Try to inspect your roof at least twice a year. If you do choose to have yourself or a technician venture on top, consider cleaning and removing debris so that problems are less likely to arise by the time of your next inspection.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation and Insulation
Make sure that it is properly ventilated so that moisture does not cause rot. Proper insulation will help with this, so that warm air stays in the home and does not try to make its way through the roof. You should also check that there is at least an inch of space between the insulation and roof sheathing.
- Protect Against Streaking
Pay close attention to the colour of your roof. If you notice discolouration start to occur, it is best to address it immediately. Areas that are exposed to humidity and shade can often host mould or algae, which can eat away at the roof and weaken its support. This phenomenon is called streaking, and you can easily avoid it with zinc strips that are remarkably effective, yet still environmentally friendly.
If you think about it, your roof is one of the most critical aspects of your home, which is why you should take time to maintain it. It is a significant component on your property that can cost a lot of money to replace, if necessary. However, if you can follow some of the above advice, you can significantly extend the life of your roof and reduce your lifetime roof replacement costs.
