Whether you’re faced with a strong summer rainstorm or a winter blizzard, you rely on your home’s roof to protect your family and your home’s valuables from outdoor conditions, and while every roof has a finite life, it can be extended through proper maintenance. This periodic maintenance will keep your roof healthy season after season. Use these five residential roofing maintenance tips to keep your roof in shape and stretch its useful life!
#1 Replace Missing or Cracked Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense between your home’s interior space and wet weather. When you see shingles that are missing or worn, it’s best to replace them right away to avoid leaks that can lead to rotting wood structures, ruined insulation, and destroyed drywall. Missing or cracked shingles are caused by normal wear or bad storms. Consider the age and condition of your roof to decide whether to replace a few missing shingles or a section of worn shingles. If you are unsure how to identify damaged roofing shingles, you can always have a roofing company inspect it and recommend any repairs that need to be made. Keep in mind that simply replacing a few shingles will not solve every problem. Sometimes, a roof is simply too old and worn and needs to be replaced entirely.
#2 Check and Fix Water Damage on Interior Walls
When your roof is in disrepair, you’ll often have water leaks that aren’t always noticeable. An inspection of your interior walls and attic areas that surround your home’s chimney or skylights will let you know if you have a roof leak. Besides showing an unsightly stain on your walls, these leaks cause mold to grow inside your home. It’s best to fix the roof leak and the water damage as soon as possible to avoid damaging your home’s structure and your family’s health.
#3 Remove Debris from Gutters and Eaves
Gutters are the color-coordinated home exterior accessories that homeowners tend to ignore the most. Gutters and eaves allow water to drain from your home’s roof and away from its foundation. By regularly cleaning gutters and eaves, you make sure that water doesn’t collect on your roof and penetrate shingles and other roofing materials. If you find that your gutters are still overflowing even after they have been cleaned, gutter replacement may be necessary. Installing a larger gutter size or more downspouts will help keep water from pooling and damaging your roofing and siding.
#4 Stop Algae, Moss, and Mold from Growing on Your Roof
If you live in a humid area, you’ve more than likely seen homes that are streaked with a dingy organic material. Besides detracting from the home’s curb appeal, these organisms break down roofing systems. While you may be tempted to rent a pressure washer to quickly remove algae, moss, or mold from your roof, toss the idea. Power washing your roof can damage your shingles. An effective, safe, and long-term solution for removing the organic matter from your roof is to hire a residential roofing specialist to clean and treat your roof with a solution that prevents the growth of moss, algae, mold, and mildew.
#5 Don’t Ignore Pest Problems
If you see indications of wildlife or termite activity in your attic, your roof could be the culprit. Pests such as raccoons, squirrels, and other rodents take opportunities to chew through half-rotted wood on your roof to find shelter inside. If you see animal droppings or small wood shavings, it’s best to thoroughly inspect your roof to seal it from intruders.
Fix or Replace Your Roof When Necessary
Missing shingles and rotted residential roofing materials leave home interiors susceptible to water damage and pest infestation. By doing regular roof checks and upkeep during the spring and fall, you’ll likely lengthen the lifespan of your roof, save money on roof repairs, and keep your family more comfortable.
