You may not give much thought to your roof – that is until something goes wrong. But with proper maintenance and routine inspections you can greatly extend the life of your roof and in the long term save time, money and prevent costly roofing emergencies.
Learning how to protect your roof is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner. Whether you have a flat roof, a pitched roof, or a gable roof, if you want to extend the life of your roof, it needs to be properly maintained and we are going to show you how to take care of your roof. These simple tips will save you headaches – and money– down the road.
Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about protecting your roof. Here are 5 tips from roofing contractors!
5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR ROOF
- Keep Gutters Clean
There is no doubt that gutter systems play a vital role in removing rainwater from the roof and diverting it safely away from the house’s foundation. They also help prevent flooding and erosion. Without properly functioning gutters, water can easily leak through windows or seep into basements or crawl spaces. It’s important to pay close attention to your gutters throughout the year.
Check and clean your gutters regularly. Gutters can quickly become clogged with leaves, debris, and twigs, which prevent them from doing thier job – keeping water away from your home. Clogged gutters can easily cause an overflow. An overflow can cause water to back up and lead to roof damage. By keeping your gutters free of debris you are also protecting your roof. If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your gutters, call a local roofing contractor who will help.
- Get in the Habit of Visually Inspecting Your Roof Regularly
It is a good idea to periodically inspect your roof, especially after high winds and intense rains. You should ensure your flashing is solid and there are no missing or damaged roof pieces.
During your visual inspection, make sure to look out for signs of rodent and pest damage, such as shredding and rotting. Most people do not think to look for signs of damage caused by rodents. It is time to replace your roof if you see any signs of wear, such as rusting, cracking, or leaking.
Many roofing companies offer free 15-minute roof inspections. It’s a good idea to mark your calendar in the spring and fall with a reminder to schedule your roof inspection. This simple preventive measure makes all the difference in protecting your roof.
- Remove Leaves & Moss
If you have trees nearby, you’re going to have leaves accumulate on your roof and in your gutters. There’s no way around it. It is very important to remove leaves from your roof. Leaves that are left on the roof and in gutters trap moisture, decompose, or in the worst-case scenario, they grow weeds. This is detrimental to the life-span of your roof.
In addition, if there are leaves on your roof, they may get into your attic space and cause damage to your insulation. So, If you notice that you have a lot of leaves or moss on your roof, be sure to remove them as soon as possible or call a roofing contractor who can come by and clean your roof.
- Keep Branches Trimmed
Overgrown branches can damage your shingles (particularly during windy weather). Branches that fall from winds and storms can easily break the tiles. In addition, if a tree is close to your home, branches may break off and land on your roof.
If you have trees or shrubs on your property, you must trim them regularly. Dense branches also make a great pathway for squirrels and rodents to access your roof. They can find their way into your attic and gnaw on your roofing materials causing damage which eventually leads to roof leaks.
Always leave a 10-foot clearance between branches and your roof to avoid any damage from overgrown landscaping.
- Choose Strong and Adaptable Roofing Materials.
Asphalt shingles are one of the top choices for roofing materials, but they are not your only choice. A variety of roofing materials such as tile, slate, ceramic, metal, rubber, or concrete, are available. Each one comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The best thing to do is research the different types of roofing materials and determine the best option for your home’s architectural style, geographic location, and weather conditions in your area. One particular type of roof may be better than another for your home. For example, metal roofing or ceramic roofing is perfect in areas with strong wind and hail since they are non-combustible and fire-resistant. In addition, they can be repaired easily. Concrete and slate roofs are ideal for areas with drastic temperature changes. Talking to your local roofing contractor is a great way to determine what roof type will be the best investment in the long term. Remember, try to look beyond the initial cost of the roof and the installation. It’s important to consider the return on your investment in the long term.
Conclusion – A Few Final Words
After reading this article, we hope that you understand the importance of routine inspections and proper care of your roof. When you protect your roof, you save time and money. In addition, you can prevent costly roof emergencies from popping up. The sooner you notice a problem with your roof the sooner you can address the issue and possibly extend the life-span of your roof. There’s no substitute for having a well-maintained roof.
If you would like to schedule a free roof inspection or if you have more questions about protecting your roof call our office and speak to one of our roofing contractors. We are always here to help!
Meta Description: Knowing how to protect your roof will save you time and money in the long run, and it will prevent costly roofing emergencies. Here’s 5 ways to protect your roof.