11 Best Tips for Maintaining Your Roof

As a new homeowner, knowing how to care for the roof of your home can be a very nerve-wracking process. No matter what type of roof your home has, you can ensure it lasts its expected lifespan with the right level of care and maintenance.

Committing to timely inspections and roof maintenance can prevent the need for extensive repairs for water leaks and other problems and even early replacement of the entire roof.

If you're a new homeowner, roof maintenance should be at the top of your priority list. Roofs are our first line of defense against the elements, and experts recommend an annual inspection to check roof performance. So, mark roofs as your top priority and protect them.

To ensure that your roof lives through its entire life cycle and maybe even outgrows it, all you really need is a little effort and care.

Here are the best roof maintenance tips to keep your roof working smoothly for a long time. The following tips will help ensure your roof lasts its expected lifespan: 

1.Create a maintenance schedule

One of your primary objectives should be roof upkeep. Create a roof maintenance checklist that will guide you through all inspections and ensure your roof is healthy and fully functional.

Start your roof maintenance program with areas that need frequent maintenance with simple procedures, and then plan for time-consuming technical practices. This will ensure that your roof is always properly maintained and in good shape and functional.

2. Protection against UV rays and heat damage

UV and heat damage to roofing sheets varies from material to material. However, some common roof problems include deterioration, cracking, warping, and thermal shock, which results from fluctuating temperatures.

Therefore, by installing a color-coated roof on your home, you will protect it from UV rays, direct heat, and increase its longevity.

A reflective white coating reduces roof temperatures and prevents the need for HVAC cooling and lowers utility bills. In addition, the color-coated roofing solution will reduce and control corrosion on metal roofs.

3. Keep gutters clean

For the proper functioning of the gutter, it is essential to get rid of debris and clogged dirt. Cleaning gutters involves assessing them for blockages and debris. There are numerous ways to clean gutters, including a leaf blower, wet/dry vacuum, pressure washer, and garden hose. In addition, the following precautionary measures should be taken into account when cleaning gutters: –

1. Wear-resistant gloves.

2. Using a ladder, bucket, and garden trowel, slowly remove all leaves, debris, and other obstructions.

3. Install gutter guards on gutters that will keep them safe and clean longer.

4. Get rid of the plants

Removing plants, especially moss and algae, from your roof as soon as they start to grow protects it from the moisture they store. Letting the plantation grow on your roof causes it to absorb water, increasing its weight, and causing it to sag and breed fungus such as mold.

To help you get rid of moss and other harmful plants, take the help of a residential roofing contractor who will further protect your roof from damage. You can also use acidic cleaners like lemon and apple cider vinegar and essentials like salt, baking soda, and powder to protect your roof.

5. Trim Tree Branches

Branches hanging near the roof, windows, or house can cause serious damage and should be pruned immediately. Since long, overhanging branches are a threat to the roof, the expert will take precautionary measures when trimming the branches.

If not trimmed early, branches can become a threat to your home during inclement weather by clogging the gutter and causing mold to grow on the roof. Therefore, frequent branch pruning is necessary for a healthy roof.

 6. Assess your shingles

Take a look at your roof to prevent more damage and costly repairs. Check for issues like:

• Missing shingles

• Warped, cracked, or misaligned shingles

• Scratches and discoloration

• Bare spots on shingles

• Chimney flashing that is peeling

Try to get into the good habit of performing visual inspections from the ground. Keep a ladder and a pair of binoculars handy in case you need to take a closer look.

7. Check the attic for leaks

It is not always possible to find problems with an external inspection. Moisture doesn't need a lot of room to seep in, so you'll need to look for leaks in the attic as well.

Check your attic ceiling for water stains and wet spots. Pay close attention to the edges, as this is where ice dams form in the winter.

Along with stained ceilings, look for discolored stains on exterior walls or pooling on the floor. You may also notice a musty smell if the leak has been around for a while.

 8. Keep your attic ventilated

Your attic must be the same temperature as the outside air, and that requires good ventilation and insulation. If you notice mold or moisture damage, excessive attic heat, or ice dams on your roof in the winter, you should be watchful.

Make sure your attic floor is fully insulated and sealed with a vapor barrier to keep out the hot indoor air. If you need to improve ventilation, you can add a gable or ridge vent along with a perforated soffit.

9. Know when to do a roof inspection

Experts say responsible homeowners have their roofs inspected at least once a year, but there are also plenty of situational reasons to schedule an inspection. Obvious structural issues or moss growth on your roof, as well as leaks and water damage, warrant a professional service call as soon as possible.

There are also times to prioritize an inspection, even if there are no immediate issues. For example, new home buyers should always have a thorough roof inspection before closing. After a big storm passes, schedule an inspection so you can file an insurance claim if there is any damage.

10. Stay safe during roof maintenance

Doing roof maintenance, yourself can save you time, money, and frustration by avoiding many common problems. That said, it's critical to know your limits and respect the risks of working on the roof. Sometimes it pays to go out of your way and call a professional to protect yourself and your home.

11. Hiring a professional

It is always preferable to hire a professional roofing expert to maintain your roofs. The professional will effortlessly identify various problems such as leaks, structural damage, and flashing damage, and protect the roof from further damage.

A regularly maintained roof will increase the aesthetic value of your home, increase its curb appeal, and last a long time.

At Dante Roofing, we offer reliable roof maintenance services. We also perform inspections to help you identify and treat various types of damage. Contact us today for residential roofing estimate by Dante Roofing and professional roof maintenance services.

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Created on May 2nd 2022 12:18. Viewed 282 times.

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