Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It keeps you and your family safe and dry and protects your home from the elements. That’s why regular maintenance is important to keep your roof in good condition. Knowing how to maintain your roof can be intimidating as a homeowner. But don’t worry! These roofing tips will help ensure that your roof lasts its expected service lifespan.
Inspect Shingles Thoroughly Each Season
Each season has problems unique to the weather patterns common during that time. Winter, in particular, can be hard on roofs. Heavy snowfall and ice can cause shingles to crack or break, and strong winds can loosen or tear them off entirely. Springtime brings the risk of severe thunderstorms that can cause damage to roofs. High winds can loosen or tear shingles, and hail can crack or break them. Summertime heat can cause asphalt shingles to become brittle and susceptible to cracking. As a result, it’s important to inspect your roof each season to check for any damage that may have occurred. Address any problems that you find right away to prevent small issues from escalating.
Treat for Moss, Lichen, and Algae Annually
Moss, lichen, and algae can cause your roof problems if left unchecked. Moss can retain moisture, which can lead to rot and leaks. Lichen can also hold onto moisture and damage shingles. Algae can cause unsightly black streaks and may reduce your roof’s lifespan. As a result, it’s important to treat your roof for these growths each year. You can do this by applying preventative products containing zinc and copper to keep them from growing.
Clean and Maintain the Gutters Regularly
Your gutters play an important role in protecting your roof from water damage. They can’t do their job properly when they become clogged with leaves and debris. This can cause water to back onto the roof, leading to leaks and other problems. As a result, it’s important to clean your gutters regularly and ensure they’re in good working condition. Clean your gutters at least twice a year if you don’t have trees close to your home. If you have trees on your property, clean your gutters quarterly to keep them working correctly.
Remove Leaves and Debris From Your Roof Regularly
It’s important to remove leaves and debris from your roof regularly. This is especially important if you have trees close to or on your property. Fallen leaves can clog your gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage. They can also hold moisture against the roof, which can promote the growth of moss and mildew.
Trim Branches Hanging Near Your Roofline
Another important roof maintenance tip is to trim any branches that are hanging near your roofline. Overhanging branches can damage your shingles and gutters, causing leaks. They also provide a way for animals to get onto your roof. Ensure to check the growth of the tree branches around your home on an annual basis to determine when they need a trim.
Replace the Caulk Around Flashings as Needed
Flashings are metal strips used to seal the gaps around roof protrusions, such as vent pipes and chimneys. Over time, the caulk around flashings can deteriorate and need to be replaced. Inspect your flashings regularly and replace the caulk as needed. This is an important roof maintenance task as it helps to prevent water leaks.
Ensure Your Attic Has Good Insulation
Heat can escape from your home through the attic without proper insulation, resulting in higher energy bills. In addition, poor insulation can lead to ice dams forming on the roof during winter. Ice dams on your roof can prevent water from properly draining from the gutters, causing extensive damage to the shingles and roof itself. You can avoid this issue by installing high-quality insulation, such as R-60 and R-49, in your attic space.
Understand the Effects of Sun Exposure on Your Roof
While most people think of winter as the harshest season on roofs, the summer sun can be just as damaging. The UV rays from the sun can cause the shingles to deteriorate and become brittle over time. This can lead to premature aging of your roof and eventually leaks. On the other hand, without enough sun, the risk of moss, lichen, and algae growth increases considerably. Therefore, it is important to understand how the presence or lack of sunshine affects the condition of your roof.
Have Your Trusted Experts Perform All Repairs and Maintenance
Only a professional will be able to tell if you should repair or replace your roof. While it may be tempting to try and save money by doing it yourself or hiring someone who is not as qualified, this could cost you more in the long run. A poorly done repair can lead to further damage that will be much more expensive to fix. You can rest assured that your roof is in good hands with a team of experts that you trust.
For all of your roofing needs, contact The Roof Pro today! Our team of experts has experience in all roofing systems, and we can provide the correct roofing design and outstanding craftsmanship to preserve customer assets. We specialize in both residential and commercial roofing and would be happy to help you with any repair or maintenance needs that you may have. Call us at 250-248-3400 or email us at info@roofpro.ca to learn more about our services