As a homeowner, knowing how to care for your roof can be an intimidating process. No matter what roof type your home has, you can ensure it lasts to its expected service life with the right level of care and maintenance. Committing to timely inspections and roof maintenance can prevent the need for extensive repairs from water leaks and other problems, and even the early replacement of your entire roof. These roofing tips will help ensure your roof lasts its expected service lifespan.
Thoroughly Inspect Shingles Each Season
Each season comes with problems unique to the weather patterns common during that time. Hot, humid months bring excessive sun damage and potential hurricane damage, and cold wintery months bring snow storms and potential for leaks caused by melting ice and snow. Therefore, it is important that you perform a thorough inspection of your shingles and other roofing materials each and every season. Look at the shingles for signs of excessive wear or damage, making sure to note any that are outright missing and need to be replaced. Check the integrity of the caulk around the flashing, as well as your vent pipes. Note any areas that have moss or lichen, as that indicates the potential for material decay beneath those shingles. Address any problems you find right away to prevent small, easily repairable issues from escalating.
Treat for Moss, Lichen, and Algae Annually
Allowing moss, lichen, and algae to grow on your roof can lead to extensive damage and an overall unsightly appearance. This often occurs during warmer months in shady areas of your roof. You can easily remove these growths by having your roof cleaned by a professional. Once your roof is clean and dry, you can apply preventative products containing zinc and copper that will keep the moss, lichen, and algae from growing back. When applied annually, these products effectively prohibit growth of all substances on your shingles.
Clean and Maintain the Gutters
When kept in great condition, your gutters protect your roof by directing water and debris away from your roof and home foundation. To ensure your gutters can do their job correctly, you must keep them free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. If you do not have trees close to your home, cleaning your gutters at least twice a year to keep water flowing properly. If you have trees on your property or live in an area like North Carolina that experiences semi-regular hurricanes, cleaning your gutters on a quarterly basis will keep them working correctly.
Thoroughly Inspect Shingles Each Season
Each season comes with problems unique to the weather patterns common during that time. Hot, humid months bring excessive sun damage and potential hurricane damage, and cold wintery months bring snow storms and potential for leaks caused by melting ice and snow. Therefore, it is important that you perform a thorough inspection of your shingles and other roofing materials each and every season. Look at the shingles for signs of excessive wear or damage, making sure to note any that are outright missing and need to be replaced. Check the integrity of the caulk around the flashing, as well as your vent pipes. Note any areas that have moss or lichen, as that indicates the potential for material decay beneath those shingles. Address any problems you find right away to prevent small, easily repairable issues from escalating.
Treat for Moss, Lichen, and Algae Annually
Allowing moss, lichen, and algae to grow on your roof can lead to extensive damage and an overall unsightly appearance. This often occurs during warmer months in shady areas of your roof. You can easily remove these growths by having your roof cleaned by a professional. Once your roof is clean and dry, you can apply preventative products containing zinc and copper that will keep the moss, lichen, and algae from growing back. When applied annually, these products effectively prohibit growth of all substances on your shingles.
Clean and Maintain the Gutters
When kept in great condition, your gutters protect your roof by directing water and debris away from your roof and home foundation. To ensure your gutters can do their job correctly, you must keep them free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. If you do not have trees close to your home, cleaning your gutters at least twice a year to keep water flowing properly. If you have trees on your property or live in an area like North Carolina that experiences semi-regular hurricanes, cleaning your gutters on a quarterly basis will keep them working correctly.
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