Keeping your roof healthy is a great way to prevent damage, energy loss, and other costly issues.
Your roof is designed to weather storms and other harsh elements. It shouldn’t be burdened by leaves, branches, and other debris that can cause mold, moss, and deterioration.
Performing routine maintenance can significantly extend the life of your roof. It also helps to avoid the cost of replacing your roof prematurely.
1. Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are a crucial part of your home’s defense against water damage and potential mold growth. When gutters are clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris, water is more likely to leak under your roof or soak into your foundation.
While clogged gutters are not always obvious, they can cause severe structural damage to your home. This is especially true if your siding is made of wood, which can easily rot from moisture in the rain.
You should clean your gutters twice a year- once in the spring and again in the fall. This maintenance will help protect your siding and walls from stains and water damage, which can affect paint quality.
A professional gutter cleaning service can provide the equipment and knowledge you need to keep your gutters clean and free of debris. They’ll also inspect your gutters for signs of clogs, which may indicate the need for a replacement.
If you decide to clean your gutters yourself, there are several methods available. You can use a scoop to collect dry leaves or other debris, or you can spray your gutters with water from a garden hose.
Before you begin, check that you have a ladder with a secure top. You’ll also need a bucket, a trowel or other tool to rake and gather debris and latex gloves.
You’ll want to work from one side of the gutter to the other, removing as much as possible without causing any damage to your downspouts. Leaves and twigs can quickly become jammed in downspouts, so make sure you stop often as you work your way around the gutters to remove them from their channels.
Once you’ve completed the job, rinse your gutters thoroughly with a hose to remove any remaining buildup. If you’re working on a ladder, consider using a tarp to catch any leaves and other debris as they fall.
Gutters will last longer if you clean them regularly. However, if you neglect their upkeep, they may need to be replaced sooner. Choose metal gutters for the best long-term durability, or consider installing a gutter guard to prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters in the first place.
2. Inspect Your Roof
A well-maintained roof not only protects your home from harsh weather conditions, it also saves you money on costly repairs down the road. While it’s often easier said than done, regularly inspecting your roof can help you spot small problems and keep them from becoming big ones.
Fortunately, there are a few simple ways you can conduct an inspection on your own. You can even use binoculars to examine your roof from the ground, though it’s always best to consult with a professional for an accurate assessment.
You should begin by walking around your house and looking for any signs of damage or sagging on the roof. Watch for shingles that are curled or missing, as well as areas with moss and algae. These spots are notorious for retaining moisture, which can cause water leaks and other major issues down the line.
If you see any serious damage, contact a professional right away to schedule a roof inspection. They’ll be able to identify the exact problem and provide an estimate for repairs.
While a walkaround is the ideal way to perform a roof inspection, you should also make sure to climb up a ladder and look from above. This is an activity that can be dangerous if you don’t follow proper safety guidelines and equipment, so be sure to have a family member or friend nearby if you need to get on the roof.
Another important part of a roof inspection is checking for flashing–the metal pieces that direct water flow down the roof’s sides and valleys. If they have rust, cracks, or aren’t positioned correctly, they could allow water to penetrate your home, leading to interior damage and increased insurance costs.
Roofing materials vary, but there are three main options: asphalt, metal, and shingles. Each is suited for different situations and budgets, so choose the one that suits your needs and lifestyle best.
If you’re unsure of what to look for during a roof inspection, you can consult your local building inspector or visit the Homeowners’ Association website to find the right answers. You may also be able to purchase a self-inspection kit from your local home improvement store.
3. Trim Branches
Trees are a wonderful addition to any yard and provide shade and aesthetic appeal to your home. However, when a tree becomes overgrown it can start to obstruct the views and negatively impact your property. If you want to keep your property healthy, it is important to trim branches regularly and properly.
Branches that overhang the roof should be trimmed on a regular basis in order to protect the roof from damage. These limbs can scratch or abrade the shingles, allowing moisture to enter the roof and cause extensive damage to your roofing system.
Overhanging branches should be trimmed at least 8 to 10 feet away from the roof. This is an ideal distance because it allows the shingles to breathe, which helps them stay in good condition and reduces the chances of damage to your home or roof.
Additionally, removing overhanging branches can help to minimize the buildup of leaves and moss on your roof. This can greatly reduce the amount of wear and tear on your roof, which will extend its life and keep it in good condition for a long time.
Another great benefit of trimming a roof is that it can help to prevent shingles from becoming damaged during storms. When a tree branch rubs against your shingles during a windstorm, it can remove the protective granules that form a thick layer on the shingle’s outer surface.
These granules are designed to keep the shingles in good condition, but if they are removed or scratched off during a storm, water can penetrate the roof and cause significant damage.
This damage can be especially costly to repair as your roof can deteriorate and need to be replaced prematurely. This can be a significant cost to your wallet, but it can be prevented by simply keeping your shingles in good condition.
If you have a tree that needs to be trimmed, it’s always best to hire a certified arborist. These professionals are trained to deal with a variety of tree issues and know the best ways to prune them to ensure your roof is safe and secure for years to come.
4. Check for Leaks
Roofs are essential to a home’s structure and safety, but leaks can cause major damage. They can ruin furniture, flooring and other items, as well as create a dangerous mold environment in a home.
When a leak does occur, it’s important to take action as quickly as possible to minimize the damage and fix the problem before it gets worse. If you find a leak on your roof, move any furniture or appliances that could be damaged by water immediately to another area of your home, such as your attic or basement. If the leak is in the interior of your home, protect the ceiling drywall and insulation by covering them with plastic.
If the leak is located in your attic, use a flashlight to examine the attic for moisture and stains. If stains are visible, the water may be seeping into the attic through the step flashing, which is the part of the roof that meets the wall.
It’s also important to check the exterior walls for stains. These stains can be from any type of water damage, but they can be an indication of a problem with the step flashing.
The most common causes of roof leaks are penetrations, holes or other damage that allows water to penetrate through the shingles or other surfaces on the roof. These include plumbing, roof vents, chimneys and dormers that project through the roof. In these cases, you might need Joliet roofers to replace your roof depending on the severity.
Other roof issues that can lead to leaks include missing or damaged shingles, structural damage and torn flashing, among others. Missing or damaged shingles can be caused by a number of factors, including improper installation and weather conditions.
Objects placed on the roof, such as solar panels, security cameras and Christmas decorations can also allow water to enter the house. These objects can corrode the metal roof, which can lead to water damage and a leak.
If you are unable to find the source of a roof leak, a garden hose can help. Using a friend who has access to your roof, spray down the roof in isolated areas from below. Work your way up and spend a few minutes in each section.
