When it comes to roofing, it’s often the things you can’t see that can make the biggest impact. The good news is that there are a lot of small things you can do to keep your roof in the best shape, like regular inspections and proper maintenance. Here are 6 roof maintenance tips to help you make sure your roof is in peak condition year round!
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Making sure your gutters are clean and free of blockages year-round is important to roof maintenance. If water can’t flow freely through your gutters and away from your home, it can cause problems from your basement to your ceiling.
Clogged gutters can cause your roof decking to rot. This can be easily prevented by checking on your gutters every now & then or calling a gutter cleaning service to clear out any obstructions.
Remove Moss and Mold
Algae, moss, and mold spores are easily carried by the wind, so they can spread from one rooftop to another. Algae doesn’t tend to do a lot of damage to asphalt roofing, but moss and mold can be extremely damaging.
Since moss & mold thrive in areas of moisture, seeing them on your roof can indicate that you may have a leak or an area where moisture is collecting. Moss growth can also lead to curling asphalt shingles, increasing the likelihood of losing shingles in bad weather – in turn allowing moisture into the other layers of your roofing.
If you find moss or mold on your roof, try spraying the areas with a liquid chlorine bleach solution and water mixture. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes and then power wash it off. Be sure to properly direct the run-off to protect any landscaping down below.
Trim Back Tree Branches and Landscaping
Tree limbs and branches can be knocked loose during adverse weather conditions and cause immediate damage to your roof. If you have trees close to your home, be sure to clear away any branches that could be a threat.
Check for Cracked or Missing Shingles
Excessive temperatures in the summer can take a toll on your roof. It can sometimes cause your roof shingles to shrink or crack, and strong summer storms can sometimes tear them off of your roof altogether. Take a few minutes to look at your entire roof and be sure there aren’t any cracked or missing shingles. This is especially important if your roof is several years old.
Look for Leaks in the Attic and Ceiling
An inspection of the outside of your roof can tell you a lot about your roof’s health, but you may not be able to spot leaks from the outside. Take a look at your ceilings and in your attic to make sure there aren’t any signs of moisture or water damage. If you discover any roof leaks, call a professional to inspect and resolve the issue before any severe damage is done.
Get a Roof Inspection
If your roof is worn or aged, it may be time for a roof replacement. When you partner with Tristate Roofing & Remodeling, we will walk you through the process of choosing the right roof for your home. Contact us today to get started!
