Roof Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
It is the part of your home that you may not think about until an object falls through it or it starts to leak.
Many homeowners assume that if their roof gets damaged, it is unlikely that there was anything they could have done to prevent it. However, this is not the case and like most household issues, regular checks prevent long-term (and expensive) issues from hitting you out of the blue.
So, here are five ways that you can keep your roof above your head: literally
Inspect it Twice a Year
You should aim to conduct a visual check of your roof in both the spring and the fall using binoculars. Try to look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles, as well as sagging areas or rusted flashing.
If you live in an area with particularly volatile weather, then it is worth performing these checks more regularly and potentially calling for the help of roofing companies if you are unsure of the impact such weather is having on the roof. That way, you can install other options to protect the roof, or even switch to a more durable material for your roofing.
Clean the Gutters and Spouts
If you have a clogged gutter, this will likely cause water to back up under the shingles and cause rotting on the edge of the roof. So, for both downspouts and gutters, aim to clean them twice a year and ensure that all downspouts have a direct route away from the foundation of your house. You don’t want water accumulating there either!
Keep Overhanging Branches Clear
Trees are lovely to have around your home, but tree limbs or even branches can rub against the roof and cause the shingles to fall off. Falling branches can also do serious harm to your roof, so it’s worth calling in the help of a tree surgeon to reduce the chance of this, as well as reducing debris buildup in the gutters and downspouts.
Check for Evidence of Leaks
You can check around your home, usually on the upper levels, for signs of water stains on the ceilings, as well as peeling paint, wallpaper damage, and even moldy smells. If you have access to your attic, you can also check the damp insulation, which can be a sign that you need to have a partial refit of your roof or a replacement.
Book Professional Inspections
Even if there are no issues that you can see directly, it is still worth investing in a licensed roofer to inspect your roof every few years, or if there has been a large or major storm in your area. These professionals are equipped with more skills and tools to spot issues that you may miss with the naked eye.
Remember, based on the type of roof you have, you may need to adjust these maintenance tips. Asphalt shingles tend to have a shorter lifespan and are more delicate relative to the surrounding weather. If you live somewhere that has high winds, frequent storms, or regular, heavy snowfall, you should aim to inspect your roof once the weather has cleared, to spot damage early.
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