Your roof is what keeps the elements at bay and your home firmly in the first layer of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (shelter!) However, because it is usually located so far above ground level, most homeowners tend to ignore it and remain blissfully unaware of any potential problems that could spiral into something more serious. Hiring professional roofers is your best bet if you are not confident climbing ladders and moving around on a roof or if you just do not know what to look out for. Nevertheless, if you are generally fine with heights, then a little preemptive maintenance will go a long way. This post takes a look at some of these vital roof maintenance tasks that every homeowner should become au fait with if they want to keep their homes in tip-top condition.
Regularly Check The Roof For Signs Of Damage
You will never know if there is anything wrong if you never bring out the ladder and perform a general inspection. As alluded to in the introduction (and is pertinent for all points mentioned throughout this post), if you are uncomfortable with heights or don’t have time, you should hire a local roofing contractor to perform the tasks. These Hanover roofing pros, for instance, will check for everything from ensuring your attic space is adequately ventilated to checking for wood rot that might become a more serious issue down the line. If you are more willing to conduct checks on your own or bring in experts, you will reduce the likelihood of spending a lot of money fixing problems that could have been spotted earlier.
Keep Gutters Clean And Clear
Gutters are the unsung heroes of roofing construction. They sit there all day and night diligently collecting the water runoff from storms and heavy rainfalls and siphoning them away down into the drainage system, thereby reducing the likelihood of devastating water ingress. However, as with many other aspects of home maintenance, they are left alone all too often, collecting debris and grime, dramatically decreasing their utility. Instead, you really should make the time once a month to get up there and clear away any and all detritus that has collected over the past 30-odd days.
Trim Overhanging Tree Limbs
Aside from the potential damage they might cause if they broke off and fell onto your roof, overhanging trees also have the nasty habit of being a conduit for creepy crawlies, snakes, bees, wasps, etc., to enter your roof. However, unless you are already a qualified arborist, you definitely should hire the pros to trim your trees. By performing this task yourself, you run the risk of dropping a large, heavy tree limb directly onto your roof, causing more damage than you can cope with on a Sunday morning! Professional arborists will not only have the knowledge of where and how to cut, but they will also have the right equipment for the job, enabling them to complete it without damaging your poverty.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Lack of proper ventilation can lead to all kinds of nasty surprising running from mold to the dreaded rot. However, aside from these specific issues, a well-ventilated roof will ensure the following:
- Temperature regulation: When your roof is correctly ventilated, hot air can more efficiently escape, meaning your main living area will be cooler.
- Energy efficiency: As per the previous point, it allows hot air to escape. The more hot air that can leave your home, the more your air conditioner’s workload will decrease.
- Extended roof lifespan: Moisture is the killer of timber, and the less you have in and around the structural joints of your roof, the sturdier it will be.
- Better indoor air quality: As hot air rises, it collects pollutants and allergens that would otherwise accumulate in your home. From there, it can escape outside, helping keep your home fresh and breathable.
Monitor Attic For Water Damage
Water damage can cause all kinds of harrowing structural issues, but it is inversely related to the amount of time you leave it. In other words, the longer you leave the water damage, the more costly it will be to repair it when your whole roof caves in. Nevertheless, if you catch it early, you have a much better chance of nipping it in the bud and fixing whatever was causing the water to enter.
Keep It Clean And Free Of Debris
Environmental debris has a nasty habit of collecting over time and, when left, can decay and “eat” into your roof shingles. Make it a point to regularly clear your roof of any observable debris, and if possible, get your pressure washer out once in a while to give it a deep clean.
Keeping your roof in excellent condition should be a priority for every homeowner. Fortunately, as long as you keep a regular schedule, you should find it will last you a lifetime.
