Whether you just moved into your new home or you just restored an old roof, maintenance is key to thwarting the need for roof repairs. Regular wear and tear are inevitable, but here are some tips to extend the life of your roof.
Do Regular Check-Ups On Your Shingles
Some experts advise doing a visual from-the-ground inspection targeting your shingles. You can do it every spring, fall, or after severe weather like a heavy storm or high winds. Grab some binoculars, or whatever you use to see far distances in detail, and look for any budding issues like missing shingles, curling shingles, cracked shingles, buckling, loose or missing flashing, bare spots, damaged drip edge, missing or exposed fasteners, piles of granules, and sagging or broken gutters. These are all signs of damaged and should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further issues.
Clean The Gutters
This is essential. Gutters are easy to forget, but you should clean them at least twice a year. If you are not up to the task, call in an expert to do it for you because they are not a step you should forget about. Clogged gutters can back up and rot the fascia, and make it easy for water to get under the structure of your roof.
Do Some Trimming
If your house is nestled under a tree on the lawn, this could be a danger zone, especially during a heavy storm. By trimming the overhanging tree limbs, you reduce the chances of one falling into your roof and destroying your home. This could also prevent leaves from piling on your shingles, causing more moisture absorption and roof rot.
Look For Signs Of Moss and Algae
Moss is the enemy. Their roots can lift up shingles and bring constant moisture to your roof which leads to mold and bacteria growth, eventually causing holes in the roof and leaks in the home. The growth of moss also turns your roof into a slippery surface, making it very dangerous to walk on. To prevent moss and algae from growing, keep your attic properly ventilated, remove any debris on the roof, clean your roof, and make sure to trim those overhanging tree branches.
Leaks In The Attic and Ceilings Are Not A Good Sign
Look for water stains, musty odors, spots on the exterior walls, and bulging patches on your interior walls. These could all be signs of roof issues. Just as often as you check your roof, you should be doing the same to your attic and ceilings.
Wash Your Roof
Cleaning your roof is imperative to prevent algae from growing. Budget Dumpster advised to rid your roof of algae, spray your roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach. As an added measure you should also install copper strips beneath the roof’s peak so when it rains the copper will stream down the roof. The bleach kills the algae on-site and the copper will prevent it from coming back.