The roof is the crown of your home. What can you do to protect it?
Roofs typically last a long time. That is if they are taken care of correctly. There are instances where roofs do not reach their expected lifespan due to poor maintenance. If you don’t want to waste money, you must treat your roof with care just like the other parts of your home. Proper roof maintenance will help you avoid needless expenses in repairs or replacement.
But how do you do this? What steps should you take to extend the life of your roof?
Regular Inspection
Roof problems are almost always unexpected by the homeowner. This is because most people are not aware of the health of their roofs. The answer to that is simple 一 regular inspection.
It would be best if you made it a point to inspect your roof at least once a year, especially the weak spots. If you have skylights, check around the edges. Debris often gets stuck around the edges of a skylight, compromising the seal. If a seal is cracked or worn, reapply a sealant. This prevents water from penetrating it and causing damage to your roof or roof deck.
Flashings are also crucial parts of the roof. They can catch debris and dirt, and they are very prone to leaks.
Inspect your roofing material, too. Ensure that your shingles, shakes, and metal decking are not cracking or lifting. If there are signs of damage, repair them, or have them repaired immediately. Lastly, if you have an attic, check the underside of your roof.
Look for water stains on the plywood as they indicate leaks and damages on the roof. Proper ventilation in your attic will eliminate moisture that promotes the growth of molds that eat up your roof.
Although you may inspect your roof on your own, it is better to have a professional do it for you. Yorkshire Roofing experts can spot the earliest signs of roof damage so that you can deal with them as early as possible.
Keeping it Clean
It should be common knowledge that keeping your roof clean will make it last longer. But still, not everyone makes an effort.
It is essential to clear your roof off of debris. Debris can trap moisture, which can damage your roofing material over time. It can become too heavy and affect the integrity of your roof. Debris can also disrupt proper water flow from your roof and damage other roof areas. If there are low-hanging branches near your roof, trim them. Aside from the debris they produce, they channel rainwater directly, which can be hard on your roof.
You should watch out for algae and fungus growth. A wet environment allows them to proliferate. They can cause unsightly black streaks and premature aging, and damage to the roof. Clean them using a bleach solution as soon as you see them.
Be sure to keep your gutters clean. Branches and leaves usually get stuck on them, preventing the proper flow of water. Clogged gutters will store a lot of water, and the weight can destroy them over time. They are only meant to redirect water down to your drains, not store them.
Lastly, do not let ice pile up on your roof. Have proper insulation in your attic so that water doesn’t freeze and create ice dams that cause significant water damage. You can also use a rake to dislodge snow or ice on your roof. You need to clear at least 3 or 4 feet around the gutters to prevent ice dams.
Ask a Professional
Doing all these things may be demanding. Besides that, if you aren’t trained to inspect a roof, you may miss some crucial things a roofing professional would not. It is always best to rely on professional service than to do these yourself.
Yorkshire Roofing is the number one Bay Area roofing contractor. With over 30 years of experience, we know the tricks of the trade. We only serve with quality and customer satisfaction in mind. If you have any concerns regarding your roof, be it repairs, maintenance, inspection, or others, contact us, and we can do it for you!