The roof is one of the most important components of your home. It protects you from the elements and wild animals, keeps your heating and cooling inside, and can even help with energy efficiency. Not only that, but a well-maintained roof can increase the value of your home should you choose to sell.
If you’re new to home ownership, or if it’s been a while since you’ve looked at your roof, here are some good tips on how to take care of your roof:
Monthly inspections of your roof will get you familiar with the condition of its shingles, flashing, and other components. If you notice any missing shingles or damaged flashing, you can take care of these problems quickly before they cause leaks. Please contact https://northernroofingltd.co.uk/ for more information.
A clean gutter system is essential in keeping water away from your rooftop. When gutters are clogged or misaligned, water can seep into cracks in the shingles and cause deterioration. Be sure to clean gutters regularly (at least once a year) as well as after strong storms with heavy winds or rain. You should also check for loose brackets or blockages while taking care of roof.
This is particularly important after a windstorm or heavy rains. Inspect your roof for damaged shingles, and replace them when necessary. Look for signs of damage around chimneys, skylights and other penetrations. Check fasteners and flashings to make sure they’re tight and secure. Look for signs of rust on metal flashings, and repaint as needed. Check caulking around vents, pipe collars and other areas where leaks can occur. For asphalt roofs, trim tree branches so they don’t rub against the shingles. Be careful not to damage the shingles in the process!
A roof is a big investment, and regular maintenance is key to making it last. It may seem like a hassle (and an expense) to keep up with roof maintenance, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s a lot less expensive to maintain than it is to replace.
Keep your roof clear of debris. Debris buildup on your roof can cause water to pool, which puts extra weight on your house and can cause leaks over time (not to mention attracting some uninvited guests).
Trim back trees that hang over your house. You might think you’re protecting your home by giving it shade, but that foliage is also shading moisture onto your roof — and providing a bridge for squirrels and other critters looking for a way inside.
Get rid of moss and algae. Moss can hold moisture against shingles, eventually causing them to rot. Algae can eat away at the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, reducing their lifespan. You can kill off both with a bleach-based solution (for safety’s sake, avoid getting bleach on any landscaping or plants), or you can try copper strips or zinc strips that leach out slowly over time and kill off moss and algae as the water runs.
