Did you know that around 5 million residential roofs get replaced each year in the United States of America? Getting a roof replacement is not cheap, and there are many reasons why you should look for ways to prevent the need for a replacement roof. Even the thought of getting roof repairs is enough to make many homeowners shudder.
Roof maintenance is an important part of owning a home, and there are plenty of helpful roof maintenance tips that you should follow as a homeowner to ensure that your home’s roof lasts a long time. The good news is that you’ve found the perfect place to get all of the best roof maintenance tips that will keep your home’s roof pristine for years and years to come.
Keep reading this article for a great guide to roof maintenance and some handy roof repair tips that you can do on your own.
1. Check Your Shingles
Many homes have roofs that are equipped with shingles to protect the wooden roof surface underneath. Shingles are a cost-effective and sturdy option for protecting your roof but there are things that you need to make sure that you’re doing in order to make sure that they last.
Make sure that you’re checking the condition of your roof’s singles on a regular basis. Things like severe weather and storms will cause damage to shingles over a period of time and this will allow water to get underneath the shingles. Always look for signs of damaged shingles and keep an eye out for any missing shingles as well.
If you find any shingles that show signs of algae growth or mildew then you need to get to the bottom of the issue because it is possible that you have a leak in your roof. This is also one of the first clear signs that your shingle roof is starting to fail.
2. Get a Roof Inspection
Roof inspection might seem unnecessary to some homeowners but they provide a ton of value when it comes to keeping your roof in great condition. If you’re looking to avoid the need for roof replacement advice then you should consider getting your roof inspected at least one time each year or two.
This process will get an expert to come and check out your roof for any signs of roof failure or damage that need to be dealt with in order to prevent a roof replacement. If your roof is older then you need to get your roof inspected each year to prevent damage or costly replacements. Make sure that you’re getting the Best Roofing Estimates if you need a roof replacement.
3. Look for Leaks
Another common sign that something is up with your roof is any signs of water leaking through. A leaky roof will cause a ton of water damage to your home that will cost you a significant amount of money to fix. It will also start the process of weakening the superstructure of your home.
The last thing that you want is to put yourself and your family at risk because of a leaky roof. Looking for signs of leaks is easy to do and will save you a ton of money and stress in the long run.
Look for musty scents or odors in certain rooms within your home if you’re looking for areas where the roof might be leaking. Another clear sign that you have a leaky roof is water stains on your home’s ceilings.
4. Wash Your Roof
Washing your roof is another great roof maintenance tip because it is one of the only ways to remove algae from the surface of your metal or shingle roof. It is a good rule of thumb that you should wash your roof at least once each year to prevent this growth from spreading and causing issues.
If you have a shingle roof and you let the algae continue to spread you’ll run the risk of your shingles rotting right on your roof. Make sure that you’re using a 1:1 ratio of water and bleach on your roof’s shingles when you’re trying to clean it of all algae growth.
5. Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your home’s gutters is never a good time but it is essential to maintaining your roof and preventing the need for roof repair or roof replacement. When your gutters get clogged they leave no place for the water to run off of your roof. You’ll end up with pooling water on your home’s roof which will start to cause damage to the wood beneath your shingles.
Make sure that you’re cleaning your home’s gutters two or three times each year for the best results. Your roof and your budget will thank you for it.
6. Trim Any Overhanging Branches
Another key form of roof maintenance is making sure that you’re trimming any tree branches that overhang onto your home’s roof. These branches cause similar issues to the leaves that end up clogging your home’s gutters throughout the year. They also have the potential to cause some serious damage to your roof during severe weather depending on their size.
Trimming these branches is a quick and easy fix for the best roof maintenance. Make sure that you cut any overhanging branches once each year.
7. Reseal Around Roof Vents
Roof vents are vital for allowing your home’s attic to breathe, especially when the temperatures are high. These vents get rid of the hot air that builds up in your home’s attic and allow cooler air to enter the home. While these vents are helpful, you need to make sure that they’re sealed to prevent water from entering your home and causing damage.
Now You Know All About Roof Maintenance Tips
Roof maintenance tips might not seem like a big deal, but they’ll go a long way towards preventing dangerous situations and expensive damage to your family’s home. Make sure that you’re removing any algae growth from your shingles and that you’re getting your roof inspected on a consistent basis. You should also make sure that the areas around your vents are sealed.
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