Simple But Useful Roof Maintenance Tips and Tricks Every Homeowner Should Know

Without a roof, a structure cannot be called a house, and they are that important! We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the state the roof of your home plays either as a safety factor or as an aesthetical moment if you are thinking of selling your home. Most homeowners do not pay any attention to their roofs except when there is a leak or irreparable and very costly damage. So it makes financial sense to inspect this section of your asset regularly and make sure that any maintenance is done as soon as it’s needed. In this article, we’ve outlined some of the basic maintenance tips and tricks that you can follow to avoid having to replace your roof before its expected lifetime is over.

1. Regularly Inspect Your Roof

Inspecting a home’s roof regularly is crucial to ensure that it remains in tip-top shape for as long as possible. If you have a pair of binoculars, you can start your roof inspection from the ground. Start by looking for obvious issues such as moss or buckled shingles. For a closer inspection, climb up onto the roof and look for any loose pieces where water could leak through. Keeping a regular check for these kinds of issues will save you a fortune in the long run.

2. Know Your Roof’s Lifespan

A roof’s lifespan is approximately twenty-five years. If you live in an old neighborhood and you haven’t replaced your roof since you bought your home, then you might need to replace it soon. Knowing when your house was built also helps you to work out how old your roof is, and can help you plan accordingly before you face issues such as leakage or broken pieces. You can contact trusted and reliable roofers to give you an estimate on how much longer you have before needing to replace your roof as this is a vital step. Armed with this knowledge you can plan your roof maintenance accordingly.

3. Replace Damaged Shingles

Damaged shingles can be dangerous to your roof’s internal structure. Shingles can get broken or curled for a number of reasons, including irregular temperatures, which cause discoloration or weakness. It can also be caused by hail constantly hitting your roof, which can result in breakage or loose pieces leading to water collecting inside your roof. If there are only a couple of damaged shingles, then you can just replace them instead of installing a new roof.

4. Lookout for Leaks

Fixing leaks as soon as you see them is vital. Leaks can cause damage to the whole structure of your home and cause your ceiling to start falling and cracking. It can also damage furniture if the leaks become too bad. You can check for leaks by going into your attic and inspecting the ceiling for cracks or wet spots. If you do find any in your ceiling or even a hint of a leak, then your first thought should be to check your roof for any kind of damage.

5. Maintain Gutters

Gutters are not easy to keep clean, but maintaining them is important if you don’t want them to get damaged and affect your roof. Cleaning your gutters from collected dirt, leaves and other blockages such as ice will ensure that water is not left on your roof without a way out except seeping through your roof and into your home.

Luckily, you do not need professional help to maintain your gutters since as long as you take your precautions, you can do the job yourself. Cleaning up your gutters also ensures that no birds are setting up nests, which can block gutters and cause a weakened foundation as well as affect the health of your family.

6. Trim Overhanging Branches

Having trees around your home is great for privacy and provides shade during the hot summer months. However, if the trees have branches hanging over your roof, they can result in issues with your roof. Leaves and smaller twigs can clog up drains. If a large branch falls onto your roof, it may break tiles, create holes, or even dent flashing, which exposes your home to the elements and weakens its structure. Trimming these branches in advance will help you avoid hassles later on.

These six tips are going to help keep your roof in good shape for a longer time. Like other areas in a home, taking precautions and maintaining your roof is a great way to avoid unnecessary costs. Keeping contact with a good roofing company will also save you time and effort if you ever need extensive roof maintenance or replacement.