Owning a home comes with many responsibilities. Taking care of your roof is a necessary chore that is often overlooked until it is too late. The good news is that roof maintenance is not a daily chore, unlike washing dishes and vacuuming. If not properly managed, the roof can become an enormous financial burden far too soon. This list of roof maintenance tasks is designed to help you take care of your roofing system so that it may save you time and money in the long run.
Clean Your Gutters
Neglecting your gutters can be an expensive mistake. The job of your gutters is to control the flow of rainwater off the roof and away from the house. The inability to clean the gutters can result in excess water being redirected to other parts of the house. In addition, if rainwater penetrates the roof, it can weaken your roof’s structure, cause root rot, and escape into your home through cracks.
Gutter cleaning is only needed once or twice per year. If you choose to DIY this project, make sure to clean all components of the gutter, including the end cap, fascia bracket, downspout, and elbow. When your gutter is all clean, be sure to inspect it for damage. Check your gutter guards, if you have them, and see if it is time to replace them. This is an essential part of roof maintenance.
Regular Tree Trimming
Overhanging trees pose a significant threat to the structure of your roof. Although greenery can refine your home’s curb appeal, overhanging tree limbs and branches can cause serious damage to your roof in the event of heavy winds or a storm. Your roof may be strong, but if it takes enough of a beating repeatedly, it will begin to wear down. In addition, extended branches that lead to your roof allow easy access for squirrels and other critters to raid your house.
Tree trimming is only necessary if branches begin to grow a bit too close to your home or roof. Trimming back the trees regularly can prevent any potential damage from rain and winds.
Clean Your Roof After Snow
If you live in an area that experiences heavy snow, the beautiful flakes can take a toll on your home’s roof. The combination of cold temperatures and snow on the roof can increase the risk of ice dams. According to the National Weather Service, Ice dams occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. Ice dams can lead to the degradation of your shingles and water infiltration.
Remove Moss and Mold
The growth of moss and mold can deteriorate the surface of your roof over time. Moss can cause small cracks in the tiles or shingles of your roof when moisture starts to accumulate. Moss and mold flourish in areas with moisture, meaning if you spot either of these things, it may call for further inspection.
The damage that moss and mold can lead to includes the following:
- The curling of asphalt shingles
- Degradation of the structure of your roof
- Invite rodents who feed off the mold and roofing materials
Ensure Strong Insulation
Although your roof keeps all the undesirable elements out of the house, the insulation is vital for keeping the comfort inside. Insulation is helpful in keeping the desired temperature inside your home. It is also important for the loss and gain of heat in the home. Poor insulation can cause your home to lose up to 25% of its heat. If you notice that your home is having trouble staying warm or airflow is inconsistent throughout the rooms, it might be time to check your insulation.
Check The Attic and Ceiling for Signs of Leaking
Taking a trip to the attic might not be on your to-do list for a while. There might not be anything in the attic but old items and storage boxes, but taking a trip up there once in a while can help you spot any signs of leaks or other water damage that will not show on the roof’s surface. Taking some time to check the attic and ceiling around your home can be the reason you catch potential damage early.
Clear Debris
A clear roof without debris is beneficial in more ways than just aesthetics. Clearing the debris from your roof can prevent clogging in your gutters. Debris can result in dislodged gutters because of the excess weight. If a clogged, heavy gutter breaks off the house, it can cause damage to your siding, windows, and other components of the house.
Get a Roof Inspection
Your strong, properly installed roof should be reliable and last for years. Protecting your investment with regular inspections. Using the maintenance tips above, you should be able to take care of your roof by yourself for a while, but as your roof ages, it is advised to get a professional inspection done. The eyes of a professional roofer are trained to notice the things that you could have missed.
You should schedule an appointment with professional roofers near you if you suspect damage beyond your ability to repair. As a homeowner, there is plenty of roof maintenance that you can do on your own, but there are a few things that are simply out of your scope of knowledge. It is time to get a roof inspection if you notice any of the following signs:
- Water damage on your walls
- Leaky or clogged gutters
- Broken, curled, or cracked shingles
- Storm damage
Amenity Roofing: The Best Roofing Company in Montgomery, IL
At Amenity Roofing, we are an experienced roofing company with over 20 years of service in the Montgomery, IL, area. We specialize in residential and commercial roofing, and our team of trained professionals is equipped with the knowledge that will give you the best results. We are fully licensed and insured, and our team of experienced professionals is here to assist with all of your roof maintenance needs. Call us today at (630) 636-9954 to schedule a free inspection or consultation.
