As a homeowner it is vital to take proper care of your home, roofs are an integral part of the structure of your home. Neglect can have serious effects on the lifetime of your roof.
Eventually, as with every home, you will need a new roof and a roof replacement estimate. In the meantime you can start by following these 5 easy preventative measures in caring for your roof.
1. Trim Any Overhanging Tree Branches
Trees are one of the major culprits for roof damage. You can actually prevent debris from falling onto your roof and damaging the lifetime of your roof by trimming any overhanging tree branches. Branches can scrape and gouge your roof causing punctures and deep scratches. This in turn can seriously compromise your roofs waterproofing. If you suspect you have tree damage on your roof it's best to call a roofing contractor to assess the damage. Not only can the branches damage your shingles but leaves from trees can build up in your gutters causing clogged gutters! That leads us into our next tip….
2. Clean Your Gutters
A great way to maintain a nice looking roof is cleaning out your gutters. Cleaning out leaves, branches, and debris from your gutters will increase the value of your home and prevent future damage. Clogged gutters can cause an array of problems to shingles, shakes, or tiles when not cleaned regularly. Debris also holds moisture which causes mold to proliferate. That, in turn, can eat away at your roofing material.
3. Check for Leaks Inside Your Home
A sure sign of a roof in need of maintenance is water stains or leaks inside your home. You can start by checking your attic for any water spots or leaks. Usually this is followed by a musty odor, bulging patches, or stains on ceilings/walls. If you notice any of these signs it is important to call a roofing professional for a roof repair.
4. Check for Signs of Shingle Damage
Shingle damage comes in all shapes and sizes but the main ones you'll be able to look out for from a safe distance are
Missing shingles
Loose or cracked shingles
A recent hail/wind storm in your area can cause serious damage
Being aware of what storm damage looks like is a must for home owners. If you’d like to know more about roof storm damage Owens Corning has put together an informative page of Signs of Storm Damage.
5. Get a Professional to Inspect Your Roof
To ensure your roof is free of damage it's important to get a skilled roofing contractor to assess your roof and any damages there may be. A roofing contractor will be able to spot potential problems you've missed and give you a rough estimate on how much longer your roof will last.
