Simpson
Most people don’t give their roof a second thought until there’s a problem. By then, you may have some costly repair work on your hands! A good rule of thumb is to get it checked out at least once a year. This will help keep it in good condition and maximize its lifespan. In this article, we’ll provide 6 tips for proper house roof maintenance.
1. Prioritize Safety
Maintaining a safe home is always a priority, and that includes making sure your roof’s in good condition. This way, you can prevent things like flooding, dampness, structural damage, pest infestation, or electrical fires. If you’re going to be checking and fixing your roof, you need to stay safe. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the work, hire a professional instead.
Should you decide to go up on your roof, don’t wear flip-flops or open-toed shoes. Use a ladder that’s tall and stable, and have someone hold it while you’re on it. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t step on any loose or damaged shingles. Finally, watch out for power lines and stay clear of them.
2. Know When To Involve A Professional
It’s best to have your roof inspected annually by a qualified roofing contractor. A trained eye can spot potential issues before they become more serious and costly. You should ideally involve a professional whenever you need any work on your roof. They’ll have the experience and knowledge to ensure that the work’s done correctly without causing further damage.
The internet is full of advice on this subject, and it can also direct you to a contractor who can help. The people who visit bisonroofing.net/ confirm the demand for help with roof inspections, repairs, and replacements. Help is also often sought for framing, flashing, underlayment, and shingles.
3. Keep It Clean
You should keep your roof clean in order to prevent any type of damage or deterioration. If you do this yourself, use a ladder that’s tall enough so you can reach the entire roof. Remove any debris
(such as leaves or branches) and any moss or algae that’s growing on your roof.
Use a garden hose to spray down the entire roof. If you have a pressure washer, use this to remove any stubborn dirt or grime (but don’t damage the shingles). Finally, apply a sealant to protect it from further damage, and keep it looking its best.
4. Check Your Gutters And Downspouts
Your roof’s gutters are U-shaped metal fixtures that hang down from your roof’s edge. They channel rainwater and melt the snow away from your roof and home. Your downspouts are the vertical pipes that carry water from your gutters down to the ground.
You should be checking these regularly to make sure they’re clean and clear of debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow, which can lead to damage to your roof and home. If you live in an area with a multitude of trees, you may need to clean your gutters more often.
5. Fix Any Leaks Or Broken Tiles
Leaks are often caused by damaged or missing shingles, but they can also be due to flashing that’s come loose. To fix a leak, you’ll need to first find the source of the problem. Then you can either repair the damaged area or replace the missing shingle. If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the entire section of roofing.
If you have broken tiles on your roof, it’s important to replace them swiftly. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also lead to leaks. Once you’ve removed the old one you can either use a new tile or salvage one from another part of the roof.
6. Trim Trees Near Your House
Trees near your house can pose a serious threat to your roof because overhanging branches can scratch or puncture your shingles. Should you experience a severe storm, falling limbs could cause serious damage to your property and even risk human life.
Regularly trimming trees near your house is one of the best ways to protect your roof. It can also prevent pests from accessing it and causing damage. If you can’t do the work yourself, contact an arborist to help you.
These 6 tips can help you maintain your roof, prolong its life and protect both your home and your family. If you’re not confident performing the tasks yourself, always involve a professional. Once the work’s been done, you’ll be stewarding your home well and preserving the value of your property.
