As a homeowner, there are several key aspects of your home that’ll need to be properly maintained. Owning a home comes with many different responsibilities from maintaining the yard to replacing the plumbing and updating the electrical system. With so much to remember to do, inspecting the roof can sometimes slip a homeowner’s mind.
When’s the last time you checked your residential roof for damages and provided proper maintenance? There are several key things you should do on a regular basis to ensure your roof stays in great condition. Not sure where to begin?
In the guide below, you’ll find a list of several roof maintenance tips to keep in mind throughout the year. Continue reading to learn more!
Trim Trees and Remove Debris
If you have any trees in your yard or neighboring trees that extend over your yard, pay close attention to their branches. Do any of the branches extend over your roof? If so, then you’ll want to keep these branches trimmed back throughout the year.
Tree branches that extend over your roof can cause twigs, leaves, and other debris to fall on it. All of this debris can then pile up and create the perfect place for critters to then nest in. This type of debris can also trap water on your roof and cause mildew to grow.
Not only do you want to trim the trees, but you’ll want to remove any debris from your roof on a regular basis as well to prevent damages.
Clean Out the Gutters
Speaking of debris on the roof, don’t forget to clean out the gutters too. All of that debris will make its way into the gutters and downspout. If the gutters are clogged, then rainwater or snow can’t make their way down the downspout.
In return, you could face water damage to your home or your roof. To clean out the gutters, carefully use a ladder and bring two buckets with you. One bucket should hold your tools while the other one holds all of the debris you grab out of the gutters.
Be sure to wear gloves and rinse the gutters out with water when done to ensure all debris is removed and water runs down them smoothly. You should also pay close attention to where the water’s landing. It should be directed away from your house and its foundation.
Check For Missing Shingles
While cleaning the gutters, you might find pieces of shingles or whole shingles. When shingles fall off the roof, they can land in the gutters. If you find pieces of shingles in your gutters, then this is a sure sign that your roof is in need of repair and should be repaired as soon as possible.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the ground for shingles on a regular basis as well. Take a quick walk around your home once a month to see if you find any. You can also take a few steps back and see if you can see damaged shingles on the roof from the ground.
Remove Moss, Algae, and Mold
Upon your roof inspection, if you find any moss, algae, or mold growing on the roof, then you should remove it as soon as possible. Any areas of the roof affected by moss or algae should be sprayed down with a roof moss cleaner and remover. Be sure to follow all of the directions given on the cleaner.
Then, gently scrub the moss or algae off of the roof using a soft-bristled broom. A power washer or a hard-bristled brush can cause damage to the roof’s shingles. Cleaning the roof can be a dangerous job to do without proper experience and safety equipment, so be sure to hire a professional to do it for you.
Inspect the Attic For Leaks
Some roof leaks can’t be spotted from the outside. You may need to inspect the attic to find leaks. While in the attic, look for stains that indicate water is seeping in.
You should also ensure the roof has proper ventilation and that the attic is properly ventilated. The vents need to allow the proper amount of airflow to prevent moisture and heat in the attic.
Clear Snow Off the Roof
Don’t allow snow to accumulate on your roof. You want to clear snow off your roof to prevent serious roof damage. Too much snow on an older roof can even cause it to collapse due to too much weight.
While standing on the ground, use a snow rake to carefully remove any snow you can and relieve some of that weight.
Have the Roof Inspected Regularly
There are several things that a homeowner can do on their own to properly maintain their roof, but it’s always ideal to hire a roofing contractor to have your roof inspected regularly. A professional roofing contractor can safely inspect your roof and determine if there are any problems that need attention.
They can make repairs and provide you with all the best roof maintenance tips to help you keep your roof in great shape. Once you establish a relationship with a professional roofer, you’ll then have someone to perform regular maintenance on your roof, repairs, and installations.
Proper Residential Roof Maintenance Is Key
If you want your roof to last you for many years to come, then you need to conduct proper residential roof maintenance. Use all of the helpful information listed in this guide above to help you stay on top of it.
If you’re interested in more home improvement topics and plenty of other topics as well, then continue to check back here on a daily basis.
