Hello World! Welcome Friends! As a homeowner, one of the most critical tasks is maintaining the roof of your home. This may be a challenge due to the height and the material of the roof. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure the roof lasts longer, thus reducing costs for repairs and replacement.
Some roofing materials may require additional maintenance procedures than others. If you feel your roofing material needs an extra touch, you can contact your local roofing company for more info. Additionally, you can check the manufacturer’s instructions on care and maintenance.
Read more as the tips below can help you prolong the life of your roof and reduce the chances of premature damage.
Always Clear the Gutters
Gutters help direct water and fragments from the roof safely to the ground. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure they aren’t clogged with twigs, leaves, or debris from worn-out shingles. If rainwater can’t flow freely from the roof, it can accumulate and form pools. Apart from the danger of causing the roof to rot or rust, a collection of water adds extra weight to the roofing material. If you leave this for long, your roof may need extensive repairs or replacement before it reaches its expected life span.
You can use a scooper or a long spatula to clean the gutters. After which, you can flush it with water to remove any remnants of debris. You can schedule the gutter cleaning twice a year or quarterly, depending on your location. Your roofing company can help you learn more about the advisable time and ways you can clean and maintain your gutter.
Trim Any Trees and Vegetation Close to Your Roof
As much as trees enhance the natural beauty of your home, they can also be a source of roof damage. If they settle on the roof, loose twigs and leaves can lead to moss and algae growth. Additionally, strong winds can break the branches, which if they fall heavily on the roof, the damage can be extensive.
Therefore, look out for tree branches growing closer to or hanging over the roof. Additionally, check for crawling vegetation that can grow up the gutters as they may provide an environment for insects and moss to grow. As the trees may not grow fast, you can inspect them annually for any branches close to the roof. You may also need to check frequently for the crawling vegetation.
Always Inspect the Roof For Damage and Wear and Tear
Different weather conditions could exert pressure on your roof throughout the year, and with time, it may start to wear out. If it’s extreme, the weather can cause damages that can quickly escalate if left unattended. It’s essential to thoroughly inspect your roof at the end of every season and after severe weather phenomena.
For any roofing material you have, if you notice any cracks, curls, broken pieces, or warps, address them sooner. This prevents minor damages from spreading and becoming a more extensive repair problem. Proactively attending to these minor damages can save you the cost of fixing a larger area or replacing the roof altogether.
Treat the Roof to Prevent Algae and Moss
During the summer months, you may find moss and algae growing on the shaded areas of your roof. These growths can be an eyesore and also cause damage to your roof. If you leave these on your roof, they degrade the roofing material quickly. Hence, reducing the roof’s lifespan.
Even though using copper-infused shingles on your roof can prevent moss and algae growth, they may be a little more expensive. However, you can still use regular shingles but carry out an annual roof cleaning to treat and prevent any moss growth. If there’s some growth already, brush and hose off the moss growth gently. However, be careful not to apply pressure and damage the roof.
You can then use a commercial zinc and copper solution to clean the roof or use a homemade solution. You can use bleach, dish soap, or white vinegar and water for homemade solutions. Whichever solution you use, you should note its effect on plants beneath the roof and the gutters. In most cases, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
Conclusion
You should inspect your roof for visible damages, growth, or debris on a seasonal basis. Every roofing material needs you to take a proactive step to prevent any damage that can reduce the lifespan of your roof. These steps can be clearing gutters, removing leaves, trimming trees, scraping off growths, or sealing cracks. You can always contact your local roofing company for professional roof repairs and replacements if needed.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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Living Room: How To Deal With Lighting
Can You Have a Green Home Makeover?
6 Steps Towards Better Health and Wellness
Signs That it’s Time to Replace Your Roof
Get Your Backyard Ready for the Summer
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