Roofs used to be made out of straw primarily. Obviously, things have changed a lot since then. Nowadays, we use aluminum, steel, wood, and other materials.
If anything, that makes them the roofing much stronger. Still, roofs not invincible; they can still break and wear down over time.
The good news, though, is that you can prevent that from happening with proper roof maintenance—you just need to know what to do.
Looking for some roof maintenance tips? We’ve got you covered on roofing needs. Keep reading for everything that you need to know about roof maintenance done right!
5 Tips For Maintaining Your Roof
Maintaining your roof is a lot cheaper than fixing your roof. Here are a few tips on the right roof maintenance for your property!
1. Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches can cause a variety of problems. For instance, they can damage the shingles. Leaves can also fall into and clog the gutters.
Given that, you want to be vigilant about cutting off any large branches that are over the roof—that will help you avoid potential damage in the future.
2. Clean Your Gutters
The gutters are an essential part of your roof; their job is to divert rainwater away from your home.
That's why it's so important to keep them free of leaves and other debris. If they’re clogged, the water can easily overflow out of the system and wreak havoc on your house.
3. Check For Shingle Damage
It’s not uncommon for shingles to wear out over time. After all, they're constantly exposed to the elements.
You can tell that they’re damaged if they’re buckled or curled. In some cases, they may also be missing altogether.
Remember, you don’t have to clamber up a ladder to check on it. You can easily do so with a pair of binoculars.
If there's any damage, you'll want to call in a professional such as your local roofing company so that they can fix it.
4. Remove Leaves
Leaves can easily gather on your roof—either in the valleys or near the chimney. Over time, they’ll collect and retain moisture; this will turn your roof into a hotbed for mold and algae.
Fortunately, you can easily remove them with a leaf blower or leaf rake. Never use a pressure washer as it can force water up under your shingles.
5. Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams are buildups of ice on the eaves of sloped roofs. Why are they a problem? They can prevent water from draining, which can cause it to back up inside the house.
As it is, the best way to deal with them is to prevent them altogether. You can do this by making sure that the air in the attic doesn’t get too warm.
The Importance of Roof Maintenance
And there you have it—five top roof maintenance tips for your home or investment property! As you can see, there are several things that you can do to keep roofs in tip-top shape for years to come.
Looking for more posts like this on roof maintenance? If so, read more property manage, DIY, contstruction, home improvement articles in the Real Estate section of our blog!
