Roofing issues can be overwhelming! Whether you have purchased a new home or have resided in a house for the past twenty years, roofing issues are here to stay. In most cases, these roofing issues include roof leaks, interior water damage, or missing shingles. These problems make roofing maintenance an imperative and attention-seeking job for many homeowners. Now, what to do in this case? Who to call? Well, there are many roofing maintenance firms out there, that can lend you a helping hand in resolving these issues. Also, some roofing maintenance tips can offer lasting results.
1. Examine Your Roof
While buying a new home or commercial space, your focus should be on the roof. The roof is the prime protective layer of your premises. Even if you have been living in the house for years, it is crucial to assess the condition of the roof periodically. Take a trip to your roof once a month. It would be better if experts inspect the roof and predict its life expectancy before you run around with a bucket for leaks.
2. Keep The Clutter Away
Though surrounding landscapes add beauty, the falling leaves and twigs can clog your gutter system. It would prevent proper drainage of rainwater or melting snow. Regular cleaning can avoid damage to your rooftop. While cleaning, you should prefer not to stand on your roof and keep a garbage bag or a bucket to collect all the debris. After picking up large pieces, wash your roof with a hose to flush out dirt. Trimming the trees is another option to minimize the natural debris.
3. Floss The Moss
Your haven cannot be at the mercy of moss. Lichen, moss, and algae need damp habitats to reproduce. Your roof becomes an ideal place for their growth. They have the potential to weaken your entire home. Once moss seeps between the shingles, it can damage the inside panel of the wooden beam that holds up your home. Since mosses have a persistent nature of returning, you would need a permanent professional solution.
4. Stimulate Ventilation
In the absence of proper ventilation, dampness and heat can aggravate roof rotting. The sheathing and rafting lose their effectiveness and threaten the protective layer of your home. It also increases the danger to your interior. Your roof can start seeing tiny holes, which can enlarge over time. Exposure to sufficient sunlight can nip the evil in the bud.
5. Roof Needs Sunscreen
The harmful UV rays and excessive exposure to the sunlight can devastate your roof lining. Speaking to a certified roof expert can mitigate the impact and provide an effective sunscreen solution for your roof.
6. The First Sign of Damage
Your roof is constantly attacked by the environment in the form of natural disasters, stormy weather, high temperatures, etc. Holes in the granules or discoloration of the shingles hint towards damage. The blistering shingles indicate that it is time for a replacement. Ignoring the first signs can lead to extensive damage and expensive repair work.
7. Trim The Trees
Though you love the greenery around you, your roof may not be fond of clinging tree branches. The overhanging branches can spell disaster for your roof. The trees may strike against the shingles and crush your roof during hurricanes and tornadoes. It would be a good idea to trim your trees to safeguard your roof.
8. Attic Insulation For Your Roof
Insulated rooftops lock in the heat during winters and prevent cool air from escaping your indoors during summers. It will help if you ensure effective insulation in and around your attic space. An insulated roof assures a healthier and more durable home that prevents ice damming, moisture build-up, etc.
9. Renew Flashing Seals
Weatherproofing your home is an integral part of roof protection. From time to time, your roof demands the replacement of caulking around the flashings, such as a chimney, vent pipes, etc. Withering caulks can lead to seepage and damage. Scrape the residues of the old caulk and apply new ones to seal the gaps.
10. Prepare For Winters
It is crucial to pay heed to roof maintenance at the onset of winter. Once it starts snowing, it would not be safe to climb up your roof. Your house may be exposed to bad weather if the roof gives in at any time during the winter season. You would have to wait for spring to begin with repair work.
Roof maintenance is serious work. You can take up the task yourself or contact the experts of roofing.