Your roof is an essential part of the structure of your home, preventing your property and family from being exposed to the elements. That often means it can take a beating throughout the year from weather and buildup of debris. Roofing repairs and replacements can be costly and stressful, so it’s important to think about caring properly for the roof of your home. If you are new to owning a home, you might wonder how to maintain a roof. Some things a professional roofing company should handle, but there are four tasks you can complete once or twice a year to make sure you get the most out of your roof.
There are four main pieces to roof maintenance you need to think about. The list below will help you check them off so that you can feel secure in the soundness of the structure of your property.
Gutters are there to collect water runoff from the shingles and move it away from the foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to multiple problems with your home, beyond even the roof. Sticks and leaves tend to get inside, especially during fall, and block the flow of water. This can cause gutters to back up, detach, or dump water into the foundation and cause costly problems over time.
Be sure you’re cleaning these out at least twice a year. If you have a high roof or vulnerable areas you just can’t seem to get water away from, a professional roofer can install splash guards and handle gutter cleaning for you.
If you have a tree near your house, branches can easily break off and build up in gutters or on top of your roof, weighing them down. They can also attract moisture and mildew. Not only is it important to clear away this debris, but you should also be regularly trimming overhanging branches to prevent too much of this buildup in the first place.
Any house, especially those in humid climates, is at risk of mold and mildew buildup. Not only can this age a roof and cause damage, but the health implications aren’t worth risking.
There are actually roof cleaners on the market to help scrub off mildew and moss. This should be a priority at least once a year, especially after a rainy season or after there has been a lot of ice and branch buildup after winter.
Even when you take excellent care of your roof, leaks can happen. It’s always better to catch them if they are small and cause minimal damage than wait until an emergency strikes.
You should frequently be checking the attic and ceilings for moisture accumulation, dark spots, sagging, and mold. These are all signs there may be a small leak that a roofing contractor will need to find and patch up.
If you’re going to be doing anything that involves climbing toward or into your roof, it’s important to know that you’re going to be safe. Here are some things to think about and prepare before you do your yearly roof maintenance:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Roofing companies would rather you be safe than uncomfortable getting onto your roof to perform these tasks. Some companies even offer discounted maintenance plans.
Regular inspections from a professional roofer can ensure that there is no hidden damage or safety hazard lurking on or under your roof. this is especially important to have before any major repair, after a replacement, or after a large storm that could have caused damage. A roofing contractor can often detect things that even the most knowledgeable of homeowners could be unaware of. Small leaks and loose shingles, water damage, and signs of aging need to be addressed before your family has the headache of major roof damage.
An inspector will look at all aspects of the roof and gutters and assess what needs to be done, providing an upfront and honest estimate of any work that might need to be done. This can give you peace of mind that your home is safe and protected for years to come.
If you are in need of roof maintenance or a roof inspection in Bixby, OK, or surrounding areas, give Decor Roofing & Restoration. We are known in the community for our quality workmanship, hard work, and years of experience in the roofing business. Your roof will be in good hands with us.
Please fill out the form below to send us a message. If you need emergency assistance, please call us at (918) 382-7663.
