An average roof is supposed to last for years, if not decades. But that only happens when you take care of it and keep it well-maintained.
When a homeowner doesn’t follow through on proper roof maintenance, they’ll start to experience extreme issues. This can lead to expensive replacement costs for both the roof and anything that gets damaged inside the house. A little bit of extra work on the exterior can literally save you thousands of dollars.
This guide will help you keep your roof in tip-top shape for as long as possible!
1. Clean Off Often
One of the biggest threats to a roof is too much debris hanging out for an extended period of time. These piles often lead to water sitting and rotting the wood or mold growing rampant.
To combat those consequences, it’s a good idea to create a roof maintenance schedule where you clean off and wash the roof on a regular basis (a few times a year). And don’t forget to do the same after an extra-large storm.
2. Monitor the Ceilings
A roof is designed to protect the inside of your home from the weather. When it’s damaged it can’t do that job properly, so you’ll start to see the effects on the ceiling. This often looks like water rings or even holes in the drywall of the ceiling. Those are clear indications that your roof has issues!
3. Check Drainage Routes
No one can be on their roof every time there are negative weather patterns (and they shouldn’t have to be!). In order to extend the life of your roof, make sure there are clear drainage routes for the excess water.
A flat roof drainage plan is especially important as the water will naturally pool instead of roll-off.
4. Maintain Surrounding Landscape
When you live in an established neighborhood with mature trees surrounding the houses, it’s crucial to keep those trimmed nicely to avoid unnecessary damage to your roof. Every year you should inspect the new growth and make sure it’s not going to cause problems by trimming excess hanging over the roof.
5. Regular Inspections
There is no substitute for getting on your roof and taking a look at how things are going. You should be looking for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashings, and fallen gutters.
These common problems are easy to fix but can lead to major consequences if left unattended for too long.
Roof Maintenance Tips to Extend Its Life
Staying on top of roof maintenance sounds like an overwhelming job that will take too much extra work. When in reality it’s just paying closer attention to it on a regular basis. No need to spend hours and hours working on it, as long as you keep up.
The best thing you can do for your roof is bring in a professional to inspect it for any issues you may be missing. They have the training and expertise to spot these minor problems with the potential to become bigger ones. And then they can help you find the best solution moving forward to minimize damage.
If you’re interested in learning more about home improvement projects, check out our other articles today!