More than just calamities and different kinds of unforeseen events causing damages on your roof, the lack of maintenance also contributes to its deterioration. Moreso, not maintaining your roof worsens the effects your roof will have to suffer from after experiencing major damaging circumstances. These kinds of unfortunate events can happen at any time. One way of preventing major damages to your roof is proper roof maintenance. Thus, as a homeowner, you need to be knowledgeable and diligent in maintaining your house’s roofing system.
Here are some of the most important ways to take care of your roof and protect its structural integrity.
Check Your Shingles Regularly
Maintaining a roof needs to be something done often, but how do you do it? Do not panic now; it’s not all that hard. The best start would be to check on it regularly. Most people do it only after stiff winds, heavy rain, or snowfall. You can make a maintenance schedule and know exactly when is the time to check up on your roof. What most people get wrong is that they need to have a ladder and climb up on the top. This is not always necessary.
A simple inspection can be done with binoculars. When a roof has issues, it can be seen from the ground. All you need to know is what to pay attention to. The first signs of problems are missing shingles, curling shingles, cracked shingles, peeling flashing, and missing granules. If you notice anything from the list we provided above, you need to start fixing it immediately. If the damage looks too grave, you might want to consult a professional. The reason is simple – sometimes it’s not safe to try any repairs on your own.
Keep your roof clean.
Dirt and other elements such as leaves, branches, and other debris can pile up on your roof. This causes the water not to drain properly, leading to moisture penetration and retention on your roof. When moisture accumulates on your roof, moulds can grow together with the weakening of your roof’s underlayment.
Wash Your Roof
Removing all the extra material from your roof is all well and done, but it doesn’t mean the work is done. When all is done regarding cleaning the roof, you need to wash it thoroughly. With time, all roofs start looking dirty. This is not uncommon, and if you notice long dark flowing coming from your roof, it’s time for a cleanup. The main issue your roof can encounter is algae. They’ll grow on every house if the climate allows. At first, they can cause little damage, but with time and accumulation, your shingles can be in danger. They might look naive, but they are known for causing shingles to rot.
The best way to get rid of these naval creatures is to wash them away using a combination of water and bleach. Water on its own won’t do the trick. Bleach, on the other hand, will do a terrific job at killing algae. After washing your roof, be sure to install cooper strips beneath your roof’s peak. This is a great way to prevent the return of the algae. The cooper will release its molecules when it rains, preventing any algae from settling on your precious roof.
Inspect your roof regularly.
It is advised to have your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor every year. They may uncover minor issues during the inspection. It’s best to address these before they lead to more significant problems immediately. Preventing major damages also prevents you from having to spend so much on restorations in the future.
Have your roof assessed every after a strong typhoon, hurricane, and other natural hazards.
Typhoons, hurricanes, and other natural calamities or accidents can cause significant problems on your roof. You must have your roof inspected by experts from roofing companies such as New View Roofing – Southlake Roofing Company to assess your roof condition fully. With them, you can also ensure a repair plan that can provide solutions to the uncovered issues.
Maintain an unclogged gutter and chimney.
Clogged gutters and chimneys cause water to pool and cause damages such as leaks and weakening of materials. A well-maintained roof requires an efficient water draining system.
Check for leaks inside your home.
An indicator that your roof needs patching up has leaks in your ceiling and attic. Small holes must be immediately attended to so you can prevent further damage. You’ll know that there’s a need to fix the roof if there’s water inside your home. If you notice moisture, be sure to go upstairs and visit the attic and check all ceilings. You can inspect them on a regular basis even if there’s no water. If you’re looking for signs that water penetrated your home, the most common ones are water stains on a ceiling, interior walls filled with bulging patches, water spots on outer walls, and musty odors inside the house. If any of these signs pop out, you’re advised to find professional help. Someone who can assess the damage and start fixing it right away is what you need. If you are a DIY man, you can evaluate the damage and repair yourself, but be aware this is not something you should take lightly.
Keep your chimney in shape.
Chimneys can weather through time and have cracks and gaps. It can also have missing mortars. It is essential to regularly check your chimney’s condition as missing mortar can cause bricks to fall on your roof and cost you expensive roof repairs. Moreover, your chimney can collapse and when left unmaintained. A collapsed or a leaning chimney will not only affect your roof but can also have a damaging impact on your home’s structure.
Trim the branches around it.
During typhoons and strong wings, overhanging branches can break and fall on your roof. This brings leaves, dirt, and debris that can clog gutters and chimneys. As mentioned above, water and moisture will accumulate and cause progressive damage to your roof. Also, when these branches fall, it can create holes, cracks, and other concerns. Whenever branches are overhanging, cut them off immediately.
Taking care of your roof is essential in the overall protection of your home and your family. Having a safe home is always a goal for families. These tips are simple to follow and may seem like just small acts. However, proper maintenance of your roof dramatically contributes to the safety of your household.
