As a homeowner, it’s important to maintain all aspects of your house, including the roof. It’s not difficult to overlook the roof at times. You don’t see it on a regular basis, so it might not always be the first thing on your mind.
However, without proper roof maintenance, your roof can quickly develop issues that turn into even larger problems when not addressed. Thankfully, maintaining your roof doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are several roof maintenance tips you can follow to ensure you keep your roof in great shape.
If you’re not sure where to begin, then continue reading below. Here’s everything you need to know about how to maintain a house roof!
1. Trim Tree Branches
Do you have trees in your yard that spread over your roof? Do you have neighboring tree branches that extend over your roof? If so, then it’s beneficial to trim these branches on a regular basis when possible.
When tree branches extend over a roof, they present a risk. Branches and other debris can fall, especially during a storm, and cause damage to your roof. These branches also give a variety of critters easy access to your roof, which they can then build their nests or homes on.
To keep your roof in the best condition possible, it’s best to keep all critters and all debris off of it.
2. Clean the Gutters
How often do you stop to clean your house’s gutters? Gutters can fill up with debris quickly and can be often forgotten about since it’s out of sight. When the gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, water can’t properly flow through them to be redirected away from your home.
When this happens, water will either sit in the gutters and on your roof or leak on or near your house. This is a recipe for roof and foundation damage. It’s ideal to check the gutters on a regular basis as well.
You can do this each time you trim the tree branches or inspect your roof for routine maintenance. To clean the gutters, you’ll need a ladder and two buckets (one for tools and one for the debris). It’s important to know all of the best ladder safety tips before climbing up there and starting the project.
Once the gutters are cleaned out, you should then test them by running water through them. This will help make sure all debris is rinsed away and that the water is flowing through and out of the gutters as it should (the water should fall away from your home’s structure).
3. Inspect the Roof After a Storm
Major storms can sometimes cause major damage to a home’s roof. Each time a storm passes through, you should inspect your attic. Check the entire attic looking for any signs of damage.
You’ll want to look for signs of water or shingle damage. There are some cases when water damage won’t be visible from the ground or from the roof. You may, however, find discoloration, water puddles, and moisture inside the attic.
You can then look on the ground around your home for fallen shingles. Be sure to check the gutters as well. Fallen shingles and water damage in the attic are all signs that your roof is in need of professional repair and the sooner you have it fixed, the less likely there are to be even more problems.
4. Check For Moss and Algae
You want to remove any debris that lands on your roof as regularly as possible. Fallen debris that accumulates on your roof can then create an environment perfect for the growth of moss, algae, and even mold or mildew. For this reason, always be ready to clear your roof of different debris.
Then, check it for moss and algae. Both moss and algae can present danger for your roof. Moss can spread quickly once it forms and can then cause shingles to lift up from your roof.
If it’s left untreated, then the moss can eventually take over your roof and put you in a position to replace it entirely. If you catch it fast enough, you can remove moss with water and a scrub brush by gently scrubbing at a downward angle to protect the shingles.
5. Inspect Shingles Regularly
Inspecting the shingles on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways to conduct proper roof maintenance. Start your shingle inspecting from the ground. Take a walk around the house looking for shingles in the yard.
Then, take a look up at the roof to see how the roof and shingles look from where you’re standing. Can you notice signs of possible shingle damage from the ground? Check for shingles that look cracked, broken, loose, or missing.
After doing this, the roof will then need to be inspected from a top view since not all shingles are visible from the ground. You can do this by climbing a ladder with caution and having a look around. You never want to step onto the roof as this could be dangerous.
Instead, have a professional come out to conduct the inspection for you. You can visit this website for more information about professional roofing services.
Don’t Forget These Roof Maintenance Tips
If you own a home, then you’re going to want to remember these roof maintenance tips. When you take the time to perform regular roof maintenance, you can ensure your roof will provide you with safety, warmth, and good health for years to come. Keep this guide handy to refer back to when needed.
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