When was the last time you examined your roof? Despite how important a roof is for keeping your home safe, warm, and dry, many people forget to practice proper roof maintenance.
Part of the problem is that many homeowners don’t know what to look for when it comes to identifying issues with a roof. It’s hard to focus on roof care if you don’t know what kinds of maintenance you need to do.
There are several factors you need to keep an eye on when it comes to roofing. Everything from your roof’s shingles to nearby trees can have an impact on the state of your roof.
Keep reading to learn five roof maintenance tips that will help you extend the lifespan of your roof.
1. Pay Attention to Your Shingles
One of the biggest aspects of roof care is the proper maintenance of your shingles. Check your roof for damaged, warped, or missing shingles; if you have a wide swath of damaged shingles, you’ll need to replace them.
If the majority of your shingles have started to show their age (if they are curling, for instance), you may need to hire a roofing contractor to perform a roof replacement.
2. Get Rid of Moss
Is your roof looking a bit greener than normal? It’s not uncommon for a roof to become overgrown by moss. Moss may seem harmless, but if left unchecked, it can do quite a bit of damage to your roof.
As it grows, moss can shift shingles out of place. It also retains moisture, which can lead to water damage in your home. If you notice an abundance of moss, clean it off before it grows out of control.
3. Trim Your Trees
What do your trees have to do with roof repair? Quite a bit! Low-hanging branches can scratch against your roof, displacing shingles and damaging the structure’s outermost layers.
Squirrels and other pests can leap from branches to nearby roofs, giving them access to your home; meanwhile, heavy branches might snap off in a storm and deal serious damage to your roof.
4. Clear Your Gutters
Gutters serve an important function: they direct water away from your roof. If your gutters clog, that water has nowhere to go. Instead, it pools on your rooftop, soaking your roof.
Clear out your gutters at least twice a year–more if you have a lot of trees in your area. Otherwise, you’ll be calling a roof company to address an abundance of water damage!
5. Check Out Your Attic
By going into your attic, you can get a close look at the interior of your roof. That view can quickly alert you to problems like leaks, water damage, and more. It’s a good idea to check out your attic after storms that may have caused damage.
It’s much safer and easier than climbing onto your roof from the outside!
Don’t Neglect Roof Maintenance
Roof maintenance is something every homeowner should perform regularly. Whether you’re replacing damaged shingles, keeping your trees trimmed, or cleaning your gutters, you’re protecting your roof from harm.
Once you’ve taken care of your roof, why not move indoors for some more home renovation? Visit our interior design tips and inspiration blog for ways to transform and beautify your home!