7 Roof Maintenance and Repair Tips
There are several things in life that require a certain level of periodic upkeep. From taking care of our bodies to maintaining our vehicles, inspections are essential. The same idea can be applied to your home, particularly the roof. While roofs are known to be durable, wear-and-tear is sure to manifest over time. Even if you do not think your roof is vulnerable to damage, you are always better safe than sorry. You should clear up any presence of consistent damage with a professional. These individuals will be able to locate the source of harm on your roof. That way, you can pre-emptively take care of an issue before it becomes much more prominent in the long run.
The best way to avoid repairs is to your roof in good shape. Keep the following maintenance tips in mind to ensure the roof stays in pristine condition.
1. Debris
Our homes are an asset that needs to be taken care of daily. You should always take the time to review its surroundings to clean up any presence of trash. Your front and backyards are prime examples of this; debris and dirt will inevitably find their way there. What may go unnoticed is the presence of dirt on your roof. While not an immediate concern, you should always take a second glance at what is present on your roof. Debris will gradually build up over time, which could find its way into your home if not careful. If you feel that debris could be an issue, get rid of it! Another thing that can cause headaches is clogged gutter systems. Gutter cleaning frequency should be decided based on many factors. Some of them are: season of the year, age of the gutter system and its capacity etc. If you treat your gutters well, they will turn back the favor!
2. Roof structure
The structural integrity of your roof will also play a factor in how durable it will be for the long term. For the most part, the roof is supposed to be built to breathe in essence. This means that it should come with proper ventilation so that external factors don’t exacerbate its stability. Heat and moisture can be hampering factors, especially if the climate is consistent. Moreover, the materials used to build the roof should always be of top quality. If not, external circumstances could play a role in the durability of the roof losing its firmness. Ventilation is a crucial concern for all homeowners, and it starts with taking good care of your roof in totality!
3. Flat roofing
Even though most roofs are built to last, some types of roofing are better than others. Most homes will have a typical roof that is slanted on both sides. These sides will eventually meet in a triangle-shaped point to maximize the protection of the house. If you live in an area with moderate to harsh weather conditions, you might want to install a flat roof instead. Flat roofs come as the name implies. They are horizontally installed, with no slant or slope to speak of. This helps tremendously with warding off threats emanating from the climate. Rainfall will easily be able to fall from the roof, while buildup from snow can melt quicker. Since this roofing can be tricky to install, contact a flat roofing company for professional assistance.
4. Trees
Depending on where you live, foliage may be a factor to consider or not. If it is, you may find your home being surrounded by a number of trees. These trees can range in size, but some can grow beyond the height of your own house. Should this be the case for you, their presence can become dangerous if they grow to this point. For example, branches could fall sporadically and can end up damaging your roof. Or smaller branches could break off and fall onto your roof. As mentioned previously, debris is something that you should clear out as soon as possible. The same notion applies to trees; keep your roof clear of any branches!
5. Insulation
Since ventilation is a key concern of any homeowner, you’ll want to make sure that your roof allows for insulation. In colder months, heat may escape from your home through the roof if it isn’t properly insulated. Make sure you do a routine roof inspection before the winter season. Give yourself weeks to prepare in case you need to make any repairs to the roof.
6. Check the attic
While your roof is an area that could be damaged, the area just underneath it can contribute. Always double-check the attic for potential water damage. These could be a good indicator of weak shingles above the space. If you detect any signs of trouble, consult a professional to get the roof inspected and repaired.
7. Homeowner repairs
If the issue on the roof is minor enough, you could potentially take care of it yourself. However, just be sure to take the proper precautions first. Wear safety shoes to prevent slipping, and always call a professional if the issue proves to be bigger than anticipated! On the other hand, if your roof has a major issue, it’s recommendable to call roofing experts like G&A Certified Roofing North.
