For most homeowners, a roofing system is a big investment. It represents a significant portion of the overall construction costs. When it comes to the exteriors of your home, the roof is the first line of defense. Due to the vast importance of your roof, it needs to be maintained properly to enhance its functionality and durability. But, what steps can be taken to maintain your roof? Although a typical roof lasts between 13 and 18 years, the real challenge is on defining the measures that will help your roof last longer.
Roof maintenance is important in protecting a home’s vitality. As a homeowner, you should keep track of your roofing system. You might be asking yourself how you can take care of your roof when you don’t see what matters the most. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to maintain your roof. You can take small steps to take care of your roof.
Learning the basics of simple roof maintenance and having a low-cost investment will save you from spending much money and headaches in the future. Here are the fundamental tips that you can take to protect your roofing system:
Tips to maintain your roof
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Inspect your gutters
Gutters are an important part of the house exterior. Poorly maintained gutters may cause the growth of mold and mildew which may spread to your roof. Clogged gutters can be filled with debris, leaves, and bugs. This may cause water to stagnate in the gutters and may end up damaging your roof. If water does not flow down your gutters, it may cause damage to your ceiling and basement.
Consider inspecting your gutters for leaky or corroded sections. Also, check if your gutters are sagging. If you spot any of these problems, worry no more. Today, you can get gutter repair in Salt Lake City. With professional gutter repair services being offered, you can be sure that your gutters will be repaired and any existing issues addressed. Fixing these kinds of damage could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
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Trim the trees around your property
Although the trees around your property may look perfect for summer shade and lovely in the fall, they can pose danger to your roof. Branches hanging over your rooftop can be troublesome for two reasons. First, during strong winds, the branches and leaves can tumble onto the rooftop hence damaging the shingles. Secondly, falling leaves may clog the gutters, which may cause blockage.
To prevent these problems, you should trim the trees and remove any branches that are close to your roof. However, be careful when trimming the branches to avoid causing more damage.
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Inspect your shingles
If you want to determine the health of your roof, check your shingles. Shingles protect you from harsh elements caused by snow, hail, rain, and wind. However, these elements may cause wear and tear.
If you’re not ready to climb on your roof, you may use a pair of binoculars to examine your roof from your yard. If you spot any cracked, missing, or cracked shingles, you may consider replacing them. For shingles that are non-broken, you can easily use a hammer to bring them back in place. Consider examining your shingles regularly to ensure that they are well functioning.
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Remove moss and mold
If your roof has algae, moss, and/or mold, you should consider removing them. Moss and mold grow in areas that have moisture. This may end up causing leaks. It may also cause the curling you shingles hence increasing the chances of losing shingles during bad weather and increasing the chances of moisture penetrating the roofing system. Mold can cause the decay of your roof structure, causing severe damage. Therefore, if you spot moss and mold, you should get rid of them soon. You may consider using a mixture of water and bleach to remove the mold and moss.
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Look for leaks in the ceiling and attic
Inspecting the exterior of your roof will tell you about the condition of your roof. You may easily spot infiltration and leaks from the attic and ceiling. Therefore, consider looking at your ceilings and attic for any signs of moisture or water damage.
Insulation and ventilation are important in maintaining your roof. Therefore, ensure that the ventilation systems are allowing for proper air circulation to prevent ice dams.
Your roof is important and acts as an exterior barrier to your home interior. These tips can help you in maintaining your roof. Maintaining your roof will save you from incurring expensive costs from damages in the long run.
