The roof is that the one a part of our home that takes quite beating from the harshest elements day in and day out. While roofs are designed to last, the time will come when you have to change them eventually. But, you can keep that for years with proper maintenance.
Some roofing maintenance work can be done the DIY way, while others may require the expertise of a roofer with the right roofing insurance coverage, Let us take a look at a number of the top ways to keep up your roof and make it last longer.
Monitor Your Shingles Regularly
A twice-a-year check on your shingles will help you see whether any of them are missing, cracked, or broken, especially after a period of severe weather. While you can always use a ladder to get to the roof, it is still best and safest to just do it from the ground using binoculars. You can also use a drone, if you have one, to see the condition of your shingles up close.
Clean The Gutters Regularly
Periodic cleaning of your gutters will ensure that leaves, branches, and other kinds of debris will not cause rainwater to back up and damage the fascia boards, attic, and other living spaces.
Doing it a minimum of twice a year, especially before a storm, should be ok.
Trim The Trees
Your trees are giving your home plenty of shade, but if they are a bit close to the house, some of their branches—some big ones—could fall on your roof and cause damage.
So if your trees have large branches hanging directly over your roof, ensure you cut them off before more severe weather sets in.
Get Rid of Algae
Do you see long, dark streaks on your roof? That is algae growth, and it does not just make your roof look dirty. It may also cause your shingles to rot in the long run.
Washing your roof using a 50% mix of water and bleach can kill the algae. To ensure the algae will not make a comeback, install copper strips at the top of your roof. Rainfall will send copper molecules cascading down and killing algae on its path.
Fix Small Leaks Right Away
Whatever you are doing, do not ignore roof leaks, regardless of how small they are. Small leaks will always get bigger if you do not address them quickly.
Professional Roof Inspections
There is still no better way of checking the status of your roof than to get professional roofing contractors.
By having inspected your roof twice a year, you would be able to discover and nip any problems in the bud. That way, roofing issues will not become bad enough to require more expensive repairs or force an earlier-than-expected replacement. With the level of protection that your roof provides for you and your family, it is only right that you give it a good chunk of your attention, even when things seem all right. With regular maintenance, you will have a perfectly-working roof over your heads for years to come.