Whether it’s made of shingles, metal, or tiles, your roofing system is a significant part of your home. It protects you, your loved ones, and your home structure from weather elements. However, you want to avoid roof problems that arise due to poor maintenance and age. Regular roof maintenance allows you to catch problems early enough and fix them on time. This ensures proper roof function and increases your roof’s life.
Preventive roof maintenance eliminates the need for costly repairs and replacements, saving you money. It also keeps your roof in good shape, maintaining your home’s beauty and value. Roof maintenance assures you that all is well, even during stormy weather, giving you peace of mind. Here are roof maintenance tips for new homeowners.
1. Regular roof cleaning
Roof cleaning is an essential maintenance task that can help you avoid costly repairs and replacements. If your roof isn’t cleaned, especially after a storm or snowfall, it may cause leaks, roof and shingle damage, gutter damage, and dangerous icicle formation. Roof cleaning prevents roof moss, algae, and lichens, which can potentially damage your home’s aesthetics, reduce roof lifespan, and necessitate roof replacement sooner than anticipated. It also avoids mold growth which can negatively impact your health.
A professional roof cleaning service from a reputable company such as Bellevue Roof Cleaning clears your roof of dirt, debris, snow, and other natural elements, reducing potential roof/ home damage and increasing your roof’s longevity. Ignoring roof cleaning may result in shingle damage from ice dams and moss, algae, or lichen growth. Algae, moss, shingle damage, and ice dams result in more water seeping into the roof, causing wood rot.
2. Frequent roof inspections
Besides helping you manage proper maintenance, regular roof inspections are essential in helping you understand your roof’s condition and stop damage before it begins. If you have a roof warranty, getting a professional roof inspection allows you to identify roof problems for which you can file a claim to get free repairs or replacements.
Through roof inspections, you can determine when your roof begins to weather and age to plan maintenance. If your roof sustains damage during air conditioning or other home system maintenance, a roof inspection will reveal it and recommend the necessary repairs. It can also help identify other issues, including mold, corrosion, wet insulation, and wood rot.
3. Gutter cleaning
Cleaning your gutters, especially before winter, is an essential task that allows you to remove sticks, leaves, and debris to prevent clogging. Clogged gutters and sprouts may cause rainwater not to drain properly, resulting in overflows that can damage your home’s interior and exterior. They may also cause water to stagnate on the roof, damaging it.
Blocked gutters make a perfect home for birds, rodents, and insects. Cleaning them avoids animal infestation. They also prevent water from going far away from your home, pooling around your home’s foundation, causing it to crack. Practicing gutter and sprout cleaning and maintenance prevents unexpected, costly roof repairs or replacements.
4. Trim branches hanging over your roof
Tree branches hanging over your roof pose a threat that can potentially damage it or cause accidents. During windy days, overhanging limbs may scrape against your roof, damaging the shingles and causing leaks. Leaves from hanging branches can clog your gutters, causing ice dam formation, mold growth, and roof leaks. Stormy weather and strong winds may cause the branches to break and fall on your roof, leading to the potential roof and structural damage. Trimming branches hanging over your roof can be dangerous for you and your roof. Consider hiring a tree care service for professional trimming services.
5. Ensure proper roof ventilation
A sound attic and roof ventilation allow heat to escape your home, increasing energy efficiency and reducing cooling costs. Proper roof ventilation keeps your insulation dry and prevents condensation, which, if neglected, can cause rot and mold. A poorly ventilated roof results in a hot attic, building up heat and damaging rafters, wood framing, and underlayment.
To properly ventilate your roof, you’ll need exhaust and intake vents to ensure constant airflow. Even roof ventilation allows trapped air to escape, extending your roofing system’s lifespan. This also prevents extreme indoor temperatures. If you live in snowy and icy areas, excellent attic ventilation reduces the risk of ice dam formation.
6. Coat your roof with UV protection
Roofs are costly to maintain and pricier to replace. Coating generates a renewable surface that keeps the underlying membrane safe from heat and UV light exposure, slowing your roof’s aging process. Applying a highly reflective roof coating significantly reduces membrane temperature, resulting in increased, long-term roofing system performance.
Roof repairs may lead to unexpectedly high costs. However, roof sealing eliminates the need for frequent roof repairs and replacements. Roof sealing serves as a waterproofing coat for your roof, preventing water leaks. Roof coatings also maintain roof color, ensuring improved curb appeal. Low membrane temperatures also reduce your property’s heat load, lowering cooling costs.
7. Consider roof flashing
Roof flashing is a weatherproofing technique involving the placement of waterproof material strips in roof gaps to avoid water seepage. Incorrect roof flashing leaves your roof prone to leaks which can damage it. Flashing provides extra leak protection in areas vulnerable to contraction, expansion, or ice and snow accumulation. The flashing membrane prevents insects and small animals from accessing your roof and damaging it.
Inspecting your flashing regularly will help identify any holes, leaks, or if it’s loose. It also outlines your roof’s edges, improving aesthetics. If the flashing is loose, screw it down and use roofing cement to cover each screw head, keeping water away from your home. Maintaining your flashing may also involve filling holes, fixing a leaking seam, and re-caulking chimney flashing.
8. Ensure proper attic insulation
The attic acts as your home’s protective barrier against cold, humidity, and heat. Poor attic insulation compromises your home’s safety, comfort, and efficiency. Ensuring proper attic insulation prevents slow home damage from moisture and heat. It keeps moisture from seeping in to erode your walls. It also delays attic heat buildup, preventing shingles from swelling and cracking or the deck plywood from softening. Attic insulation also prevents outdoor pollutants such as dirt, dust, mildew, mold, and more from entering your home, improving indoor air quality. It also reduces strain on your heating and cooling system, ensuring less wear and tear.
Endnote
Your roof is an integral part of your home. A proper maintenance routine can help preserve roof health, prolonging its life. Avoid DIY roofing projects to prevent further roof damage, costly repairs, and replacements.