Roof maintenance can be a daunting task but you must take good care of it if you want to protect it from damages. Being a homeowner you must know basic maintenance tips that will increase its longevity. Roof maintenance is not that difficult if you take proper care of them regularly. You should inspect it at least once or twice a month.
In this article, you will get insights into some basic roof maintenance tips all homeowners must be aware of along with some safety measures to follow while basic maintenance.
Inspect your shingles once a month
Ensure that the shingles are completely fine and there is no damage caused by bad weather including storms, heavy rainfall, snowfall etc. Even high temperatures can cause sun damage to the shingles. If you can identify the damage at its early stage. You can try to fix it yourself or contact a professional to get it fixed at a cheap price.
Keeping it for later will increase the damage and you might have to spend extra dollars from your pockets to get it repaired. Also, keep the shingles cleaned, don’t let dust and dirt accumulate on them. It makes them look dirty and causes damage over time.
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Get a roof inspection once a year
Roof inspection once a year is very important especially if you don’t take proper care of it regularly. After years of withstanding harsh climatic conditions, it starts to get weak and it is your responsibility to get an annual inspection done to ensure it won’t fall over your head.
You should consider an annual inspection right before the bad weather hits your city. It’s better to get expert insights into your roof’s condition and if it can withstand adverse climatic changes. With proper inspection, you will be able to identify possible damages.
Before the cost of repairs becomes too expensive it’s better to get it repaired while you have the chance to do it at a cheaper price. An annual inspection might not be that necessary in the initial years of constructing a house but with time it becomes mandatory. You can contact an experienced roofer to check your roof’s condition to be able to see which needs to be replaced.
Make a habit of washing your roof
Wash your roof once or twice a month to keep it clean and tidy. Make a habit of cleaning them whenever you get some free time. A dirty roof can increase the chances of algae or fungus growing on them. During warmer months of the year, you will find moss, algae growing under the shingles.
These fungi or algae can cause extensive damage and can make them weak over time. It will rot the shingles over time that might lead to expensive repairs not maintained regularly. Wash your roof regularly on weekends or on holidays to keep them clean and avoid extra expenses on repairs.
Check for leaks in-between attics and ceilings
There are chances of leaks in-between attics and ceilings that might have been caused due to improper maintenance or annual inspection. This can cause leakage of rainwater during the rainy season and will damage it and can cause stains from inside.
Ensure that during annual inspection everything is looked upon carefully including leaks in-between ceilings. You can also figure out yourself if it starts to leak water inside and get it repaired as soon as possible. In case of small leaks or cracks, you can try to repair it yourself with simple repairing tools.
Don’t forget to clean the gutters
Gutters are an important part of your roof and you must clean them properly on a regular basis to ensure that there is no blockage in the gutters so that water can flow easily. Also, before washing your roof clean the gutters to prevent water lodging while cleaning.
Water lodging can also damage it and leads to the growth of algae, fungus etc. Cleaning the gutters saves from damage and increases its longevity. Sticks, branches and leaves from nearby trees can block the gutters hence, make a habit to clean the gutters frequently so they can function properly.
Trim branches of nearby trees
Cleaning the gutters can be a daunting task that takes a lot of time and is also risky. If you want to delay regular maintenance then better trim branches of nearby trees. This will save you from the regular hard work of cleaning the fallen branches, leaves, sticks etc.
This will prevent blockage in the gutters and prevent water lodging. Also, during storms, heavy branches can fall over your roof causing a lot of damage. Hence, it’s better to chop off the branches that are growing towards them. It will also allow you to receive an abundance of sunlight during cold weather.
Safety measures to follow while basic roof maintenance
- Ensure your shoes have great traction because you need to maintain a good grip on the ladders and the surface might be wet and slippery due to algae and fungus.
- Put your steps on the lower part of the shingles. To maintain proper balance you must stand in the right way and the lower part of the shingles gives better support.
- Look for dry spots to stand while cleaning your roof. Chances of falling are very less if you are standing in dry areas.
- Use a ladder and protective gear while cleaning the roof by yourself. Also, ask someone to look out while you are cleaning in case of emergencies.
- Wear light comfortable clothes so you can move freely on the roof.
The Bottom-line
These were some basic roof maintenance tips that you must follow to increase its longevity and to make it look clean and tidy. It also saves regular maintenance expenses and prevents it from any serious damage. If you notice any damage get it repaired as soon as possible before it becomes too expensive to repair.
