Just as your car requires regular attention, your roof also needs the same care to ensure it lasts longer and works as intended. Additionally, the roof is a critical part of a house because it protects your belongings, loved ones, and home against the elements.
This post will go through a couple of roof maintenance tips to prepare your house for winter. The preparations would save you thousands of dollars if something significant were to occur that needs repairing or replacing.
Here’s how to maintain a roof to lengthen its life and prevent losses:
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Check your shingles and vents for curling or damage.
Improper installation can lead to popped nails or shingles flapping in the wind causing roof leaks. Fortunately, there’s no need to panic if you find one or two missing shingles because they can easily be repaired.
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Inspect the gutters.
First, check on the overall state of granular loss on your roof. If you see large amounts of granules from the shingles, it’s a sign of roof wear and should therefore be examined further. Second, traces of greenish stuff signify that your roof has algae and fungi. The good news, your local hardware store stocks products that eliminate the issue and prevent roof damage.
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Clean the gutters to allow water flow and prevent damage to other parts of your home.
When blocked, your gutters will eventually flood. This causes water to start dripping down the side, increasing the risk of getting those ugly black marks on your walls (oversaturation). Worse, the overflow can lead to your foundation cracking if the water flows into areas it isn’t supposed to.
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Brush off any debris on your roof.
Leaves or twigs can build up on your roof and clog gutters or even create miniature dams in valleys when there’s a rainstorm. The problem? Stagnant water on a roof system poses the risk of leaks that can damage your roof and decking. Likewise, if unchecked, the debris can accumulate over time and cause moisture retention, leading to algae’s growth.
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Trim overhanging branches.
You need to ensure that nearby branches aren’t scratching the roof. These outgrowths also have the potential to fall onto the shingles during a storm, hence the need to prune them and prevent roof damage.
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Inspect the walls, ceilings, and area around the windows inside your house.
Examine if there’s any mold in your attic, discoloration, dark spots, bulging sections on interior walls, or if you notice musty odors. If you see any of these signs, it’s likely that your roof is leaking and should be repaired immediately.
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Check roof flashing and pipe boots.
Most leaks in a roof system occur through flashing and pipe boots. For flashing, check for signs of rust because it can cause holes where water flows through. Also, applied caulking can begin to loosen and lead to the same issue. Lastly, due to sun exposure over time, pipe boots can start to crack and allow water to flow inside.
Over To You
Homeownership has numerous rewards, but it also comes with responsibilities like maintaining your roof. If neglected, roof maintenance can cause damage to your home, or you incur hefty repair expenses.
That said, the best approach to domestic roof maintenance is hiring professionals to do it for you. Contact Jack C. Wilson Roofing Company for all your roofing needs. Whether it’s repair or roof replacement tips, our team of roofing experts is happy to help you.
