The roof of a home is a standard yet essential feature that can easily be overlooked until problems arise. The roof keeps weather and pests at bay while also acting as a primary tool for indoor temperature regulation. Although it may not be something that’s top of mind when all is working as it should be, the minute a roof has an issue, the difficulties become painfully obvious. Beyond potential leaks and bug or mold infestations a faulty roof can cause, repairing a roof is bound to be a blow to the pocketbook too.
A well-maintained roof has the potential to last up to 25 years if proper steps are taken to keep it in prime condition. Not only does roof maintenance keep a home’s residents protected, but it also saves a significant amount of money in the long run. Keep savings in the bank by following these seven simple tips to caring for a roof and extending its lifespan by years in the process.
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1. Carry out regular inspections
Taking the time to inspect the roof for problem areas doesn’t have to come with the potential for added damage. There’s no need to get on the roof when a simple no-contact observation will do. Visual inspections performed at least twice a year will quickly identify simple repairs so they can be done before damage gets out of hand. Perform a routine roof inspection from the ground level first, and look around the entire roof for signs of lifted shingles, sagging gutters or broken edging. If there’s potential for problem areas that aren’t visible from the ground, get a ladder, and perform an inspection from above without walking on the roof.
Taking the time to inspect the roof for problem areas doesn’t have to come with the potential for added damage. There’s no need to get on the roof when a simple no-contact observation will do. Visual inspections performed at least twice a year will quickly identify simple repairs so they can be done before damage gets out of hand. Perform a routine roof inspection from the ground level first, and look around the entire roof for signs of lifted shingles, sagging gutters or broken edging. If there’s potential for problem areas that aren’t visible from the ground, get a ladder, and perform an inspection from above without walking on the roof.
2. Plan for extra checks after major weather events
Beyond the twice-annual inspections, it’s important to do a visual check of a roof after a major weather event. Make it a priority after any major storm. Rain, wind, snow and hail are all primary culprits in shingle and edging damage. Noting any issues as soon as possible will keep repair costs down and stop further damage related to leaks and moisture buildup.
Beyond the twice-annual inspections, it’s important to do a visual check of a roof after a major weather event. Make it a priority after any major storm. Rain, wind, snow and hail are all primary culprits in shingle and edging damage. Noting any issues as soon as possible will keep repair costs down and stop further damage related to leaks and moisture buildup.
3. Make gutter maintenance a standardized task
When it comes to roof care, problem areas that are the most hidden-away tend to cause the biggest issues in the long term. Gutters are a notorious pain point as they tend to collect leaves, dirt and debris over time, which can add excess weight to roof edging and block water flow during storms. If left unattended, clogged gutters can cause water backup, which can allow moisture to rot through shingles or seep underneath entirely and begin to affect the roof's structure and integrity. Although some homeowners are comfortable performing regular gutter maintenance independently, hiring professionals is a good way to make sure this task isn’t forgotten and is carried out thoroughly.
When it comes to roof care, problem areas that are the most hidden-away tend to cause the biggest issues in the long term. Gutters are a notorious pain point as they tend to collect leaves, dirt and debris over time, which can add excess weight to roof edging and block water flow during storms. If left unattended, clogged gutters can cause water backup, which can allow moisture to rot through shingles or seep underneath entirely and begin to affect the roof's structure and integrity. Although some homeowners are comfortable performing regular gutter maintenance independently, hiring professionals is a good way to make sure this task isn’t forgotten and is carried out thoroughly.
4. Get rid of debris as soon as possible
A flying disc or small tree branch that’s landed on the roof may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but over time the problem can escalate to pricey proportions. Any debris left on a rooftop has the potential to begin to collect moisture below. An accumulation of moisture provides the perfect conditions for mold, moss and algae growth. All three of these factors can lead to damaged shingles and baseboards and eventually structural damages that can lead to a need for a full roof renovation. Take time to remove debris as soon as it’s noticed to avoid larger issues.
A flying disc or small tree branch that’s landed on the roof may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but over time the problem can escalate to pricey proportions. Any debris left on a rooftop has the potential to begin to collect moisture below. An accumulation of moisture provides the perfect conditions for mold, moss and algae growth. All three of these factors can lead to damaged shingles and baseboards and eventually structural damages that can lead to a need for a full roof renovation. Take time to remove debris as soon as it’s noticed to avoid larger issues.
5. Let snow melt away naturally
It’s tempting to want to get out and shovel or scoop snow off a roof after a significant storm. Homeowners fear that the added weight of the snow might cause a roof collapse if left unattended. However, the chances of damaging the roof with a shovel are much greater than the risk associated with the snow’s weight. It’s highly advisable to let snow melt away on its own to avoid inadvertently ripping or tearing shingles in an attempt to lighten the load.
It’s tempting to want to get out and shovel or scoop snow off a roof after a significant storm. Homeowners fear that the added weight of the snow might cause a roof collapse if left unattended. However, the chances of damaging the roof with a shovel are much greater than the risk associated with the snow’s weight. It’s highly advisable to let snow melt away on its own to avoid inadvertently ripping or tearing shingles in an attempt to lighten the load.
6. Maintain nearby trees
In the midst of roof inspections and gutter cleanings, don’t forget to pay close attention to trees that surround the home. It can be easy to overlook a weak limb or dead branch when the focus is heavy on removing debris that’s already on the roof. Keeping nearby tree limbs well-trimmed is an easy way to avoid a costly disaster for both the roof and those who live within the home.
In the midst of roof inspections and gutter cleanings, don’t forget to pay close attention to trees that surround the home. It can be easy to overlook a weak limb or dead branch when the focus is heavy on removing debris that’s already on the roof. Keeping nearby tree limbs well-trimmed is an easy way to avoid a costly disaster for both the roof and those who live within the home.
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7. Pay attention to attic insulation
There are times when roof maintenance doesn’t begin outside but indoors instead. A home with a poorly insulated attic is more at risk for moisture and mold growth in the topmost structure than one that is properly insulated. A poorly insulated attic can ultimately damage the roof from the inside out by allowing for the formation of ice dams within. Keeping an attic well-insulated and sufficiently ventilated is a path to extending the lifespan of the roof.
There are times when roof maintenance doesn’t begin outside but indoors instead. A home with a poorly insulated attic is more at risk for moisture and mold growth in the topmost structure than one that is properly insulated. A poorly insulated attic can ultimately damage the roof from the inside out by allowing for the formation of ice dams within. Keeping an attic well-insulated and sufficiently ventilated is a path to extending the lifespan of the roof.