Owning a home is a huge milestone. Your house is a place where you can create memories with family and friend relax after a long day. It’s easy to focus on all of the amazing things your home has to offer, but it’s important not to forget about its continuous upkeep.
Roof maintenance is one of the most crucial aspects of homeownership. A well-maintained roof will protect and add value to your property. In some cases, quality roof maintenance and repairs can add up to an additional $17,000 to the resale price of your home.
When it comes to roof maintenance, it’s important to not only check for leaks and cracks, but also ensure that any unique wall sculptures and pieces of art mounted on your home’s exterior are securely fastened and not at risk of falling and causing damage.
So, what can you do to ensure your roof stays in good condition? Here are seven crucial roof maintenance tips.
Inspect Your Shingles Each Season
Every season brings its own set of challenges for your roof. For instance, snow and ice can cause damage in the winter by weighing down shingles and forcing them to sag. In the summer, sun and heat can cause shingles to warp, buckle, and crack. Spring showers can wash debris onto the roof, causing damage and deterioration.
That’s why inspecting your roof each season to look for damage and wear is an essential part of roof maintenance. Look for missing shingles and any other signs of damage that require roof repairs. If you notice issues, act quickly to prevent them from escalating into significant problems.
Check for Leaks in Your Ceiling and Attic
A leaky roof can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs of leaks. One way to do this is to check your ceiling and attic for water stains or other evidence of moisture.
If you find a leak, locate the source and take immediate corrective action. This may mean hiring a professional roofer to fix the problem. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage to your property, such as harmful mold growth and wood rot.
Replace Caulk Around Flashings
The caulk around your roof’s flashings is a key entry point for water and pests. Over time, this caulk can deteriorate, resulting in water infiltration and damage.
To prevent this, regularly replace the caulk around your roof’s flashings and chimneys. It’s best to hire a professional roofing company to tackle this task, especially if you haven’t done it before. The pros will have the experience and expertise to do the job correctly.
Clear Your Gutters
Your gutters play a crucial role in roof maintenance as they help carry water away from your roof. However, if your home’s gutters are clogged by debris, they won’t be able to do their job properly. This can lead to water accumulation and damage your roof by causing the shingles to rot and the wood to deteriorate.
It’s essential to clean your gutters regularly – at least twice a year. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. A word of caution: be careful about damaging your gutters while cleaning them. You’ll need to approach the task methodically and cautiously.
Clean Your Roof Regularly
Like your gutters, your roof needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure good performance. Cleaning your roof can help remove built-up dirt, debris, and moss. It can also help reveal other areas where roof maintenance or repairs are needed.
A professional roof cleaner can do the job for you, or you can do it yourself by using a pressure washer. Remember to use caution when cleaning your roof to avoid injuries and damaging your roofing materials.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging tree branches can cause a variety of problems for your roof. For example, they can scrape shingles, block gutters, and create a pathway for pests to gain access to your roof. Overhanging branches can also easily fall onto your home during a storm, which is a serious safety risk.
To avoid these issues, be vigilant when it comes to your landscaping. If you see any large branches hanging over your roof, trim them back or hire a professional to do it for you. This will reduce your risk of storm damage and debris accumulation.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
The best way to ensure that your roof is in good condition is to have it inspected regularly by a professional. A professional inspector will be able to identify any potential problems and recommend the appropriate repairs.
If you live in an area that experiences severe weather conditions, have your roof inspected at least once a year. If you live in a milder climate, you may be able to get away an inspection every two to three years.
The Bottom Line
Your roof is one of your home’s most essential features, so it’s critical to take proper care of it. Start with these roof maintenance tips, but speak to a professional if you have more complicated concerns or issues.
Author Bio:
Sarah is Communications Coordinator for William C. Rott & Son – one of the longest family-owned roofing company in WNY that specializes in offering full-service roofing & remodeling services.
