Maintaining your roof is important because it provides you and your home protection against rain, wind, heat, bugs and nasty weather. Each day, the roofs of our homes and buildings are exposed to harsh elements that eventually contribute to their deterioration. Depending on what material your roof is made out of and where you are located, the typical lifespan of a roof can range anywhere between 20-50 years. Lack of maintenance is the biggest contributor to early deterioration- so we’ve put together a quick 5 item list of maintenance tips you should know to keep your roof in great condition.
#1- Inspect
Once or twice a year, inspect the exterior of your home from top to bottom. Look for lifting or missing shingles, buckling or loose flashing, exposed fasteners, sagging gutters or any other exterior damage to the roof or surrounding areas.
#2- If You Have Gutters, Clean Them
You’ll want to have an expert do this for you once or twice a year. If you are expecting a storm, have you gutters cleaned beforehand. If not, water can back up and cause the boards that run along the lower edge of your roof to rot.
#3- Prune Your Trees
Trim and remove dead branches to improve form and more importantly, reduce risk. The last thing you want is for a storm to send branches flying into your roof.
#4- Look for Moss
Moss can be pretty to look at, but the last place you want to find it is on your roof. Moss absorbs the moisture from the environment and establishes roots on your roof. This can cause shingles to lift up and the constant moisture can lead to bacteria and mold growth. This eventually leads to holes and leaks. If your attic is not properly ventilated, call an expert for help.
#5- Check Your Insulation
Having good insulation in your home saves you energy and money. It keeps the heat or cold in when you need it to and helps reduce moisture. Talk to your contractor if your attic is poorly insulated as this could also cause problems for you roof down the road.
If you need help with anything on this checklist or want to chat with an expert about the cost of repairing or replacing your roof, we are happy to help. Give us a call today for your free estimate!
