Many homeowners make the grave mistake of overlooking the condition of their roofs. The fact that people do not interact with roofs directly doesn’t make things any better. Therefore, many people don’t know how to properly take care of their roof.
The sad thing about all this is that most homeowners won’t notice something is amiss with their roofing until it’s really late. This is when the house is already leaking, and the safety of the entire home is totally compromised.
Now, if you think maintaining a roof is hectic and expensive, try replacing one.
To avoid this, we’ve prepared eight effective tips on how to properly take care of your roof and extend its lifespan for as long as possible.
Table of Contents
Clean The Gutters
Gutters play a pivotal role in keeping your roof in shape. If they are not draining water properly, the water will accumulate in your roof, and so will twigs, leaves, and other debris. This results in mold and bug infestation, water leaking into your home, water pooling around the driveway and yard, etc.
You must keep your gutters clean throughout the year if you want to avoid these issues. Ideally, you’re supposed to clean the gutters two times every year. However, you may have to clean it more frequently depending on where you live and other factors. So, inspect your gutters at least once every three months. If there’s too much debris, clean it yourself or hire professional help.
Always Keep An Eye Out For Leaks
Sometimes an external inspection alone is not enough to identify potential faults in your roofing. For instance, your roof could have small leaks which you’ll never notice from an external visual inspection. You can quickly capture such issues by inspecting your ceiling, especially the attic. Look for signs of moisture, discoloration, and water damage. If any of these are present, chances are your roof is leaking.
The best approach to dealing with a leaking roof is to hire a professional water damage restoration technician for help. That’s the only way to ensure the problem is fixed without interfering with the integrity of your entire roofing.
Replace Cracked And Missing Shingles
Modern roofing solutions are designed with durability in mind. However, severe weather conditions, such as extreme storms and summer heat, can damage the shingles. Areas like Atlanta, for instance, are known for hitting 90s Fahrenheit, which can affect an old roof.
It’s critical to identify cracked or missing shingles as soon as possible if you live in such places. So, inspect your shingles after every extreme season or find Atlanta’s qualified roofing contractors to conduct the inspection and any necessary repairs on your behalf. But make sure the contractor is reputable. You should also make a point of doing these inspections routinely, i.e., every three months or so, regardless of the weather. If you’re looking for experts to provide you with complete roofing services, you can check out https://dallasftworthroofer.
Get Rid Of Moss And Mold
Moss and mold are common in areas with dampness. This means they can thrive on your roof if the gutters are not functioning correctly. If you do not remove them in time, mold can cause moisture to penetrate through the roof and into your home. They’ll also damage your shingles, causing them to curl. These issues are expensive to fix and will put your loved ones at serious risk.
Therefore, make a point of removing mold and moss as soon as they appear. You can do this using a mixture of water and bleach. Call professional mold removers immediately if you can’t handle the problem yourself.
Trim The Trees Around Your Roof
Never let tree branches cover your roof. Why? Because the branches can fall during storms causing significant damage to your home.
Moreover, leaves from these branches will always fall on your roof. These leaves can then block your gutters resulting in drainage issues. The leaves can also collect around your roof and retain moisture that will seep through the tiles. This damages the roof and causes mold growth.
Clear Ice Dams
Ice dams may make your home picturesque, but they have a significant downside. As they accumulate, they will strain your roof, and this can result in major damages, especially if it’s an old roof.
Partner with an experienced professional to insulate your roof and prevent the buildup of ice dams.
Check The Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is crucial for maintaining the appropriate insulation and preventing heat damage. Check the state of your attic ventilation whenever you are inspecting your roof. If you notice ice dams, mold, and moss, then your ventilation is probably compromised.
You can only extend the lifespan of your roof if you take the necessary measures to keep it in shape. Therefore, do not sleep on your roof care and maintenance duties. And if you notice an issue you can’t handle, call the experts immediately. Don’t wait until the damage is too severe. Take care of your roof as soon as you see a problem.
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