Maintaining your house’s roofing in tip-top condition doesn’t just increase the property’s value, but it also makes the building more comfortable for residents. According to statistics, almost 80% of American homes were constructed over two decades ago. Homeowners generally ensure roofs are strong enough to withstand temperature extremities. So, tile, slate, and copper roofs can stay there for half a century without any need to be replaced.
However, you should take care of the roof to avoid damage to your house’s covering. This article discusses some suggestions to help your roofing stay effective at warding off rain, deluges, hailstorm, and other calamities from your family.
Tips for roof maintenance
Owning a home in the United States involves taking care of your property and watching out for cracks in the exterior. Your house’s roofing keeps the family safe, warm, and comfy inside the confines of a nice dwelling. The weather in Colorado makes homeowners confused about how to take care of the roofs. We have observed that, normally, the factors affecting your roof’s health aren’t visible to your eye. That’s why experts suggest you follow the below-mentioned 9-point checklist to maintain the roof and look for any signs of weakness in the covering. So, follow this checklist faithfully to extend the roof’s longevity.
- Call professional roofers
Homeowners often attempt to fix roofing damages by taking the DIY approach. But the weather in cities like Denver fluctuates drastically, and your home’s roof can take quite a beating under hot summers and cold, snowy winters. For this reason you should know when to contact professionals to repair a damaged roof. Don’t hesitate to call reliable Denver roof repair services to treat your roofs, gutters, and windows properly. Get quotes from different roofers, and don’t forget to read online reviews to ensure you’re dealing with experienced professionals. They can repair the roof in no time!
- Clean the roof
Cleaning your roof doesn’t just allow you to identify damages, but also extends its lifespan. Clean the roof at least once a year – twice if you wish to be extra careful – to throw away moss, lichen, or any other form of debris. Use pressure washers while cleaning the structure and always begin the chore from the top of the roof to avoid water leaks. Don’t use detergents when cleaning the roof because the chemicals may corrode your shingles. Just use soapy water to wash it now and clean the debris.
- Replace when damaged
Understand the difference between the need to repair and the need to replace. When some parts of the roof are damaged, you can salvage the structure by repairing the damaged portions. But you can’t restore these damages when they’re extensive. Find signs such as bare-looking and easily-breakable shingles or gutters filled with dust from shingles. So, these symptoms indicate that these shingles need to be replaced as their warranty has expired.
- Remove snow deposits
Snow gathering on the top of your roof can make the structure weak enough to collapse. And when the temperature increases, snow can melt and cause water damage in the attic. So, clean the roofing after the snowfall and remove the deposits with a snow rake. Decrease the load on the rooftop to make the structure safer for the whole family.
- Look for moss
Moss and mold are problems that affect most homes in the US. It’s estimated that around 70% of American residences today have mold buildups. Remember that the wind can carry moss, algae, and mold spores to the rooftop. These elements don’t just damage the structure of your roof but can be dangerous to the well-being of your family too. The existence of moss or mold means that your roof leaks because these things grow in humid areas. That’s why you should treat moss/mold quickly.
- Clean your gutters
Homeowners should remember to clean all gutters and ensure no debris clogs the water pathway. Clogged gutters cause moisture-related problems for your roof when the water starts to back up beneath the structure. Ascertain that these gutters are properly attached to the roof. Inspect the regularly because clogged gutters welcome moisture inside the structure and weaken the roof from within. Again, call professional roofers to clean the gutters properly.
- Trim overhanging branches
Who doesn’t like a bunch of greenery around the house?! But too many trees can overburden your roof. So, it makes sense to manage larger plants by trimming down overhanging branches. You must maintain the roof by eliminating the possibility of loose branches falling on the shingles and damaging the rooftop. Smaller branches may block the gutters. After a storm – for instance – you should inspect the area for fallen branches and clean the gutters too.
- Check the drainage
There shouldn’t be debris blocking the drainage. Otherwise, a water buildup may damage the roof in the long run. Homeowners should check the drainage regularly while inspecting shingles. Contact an experienced professional to inspect the drainage system if the water pools on the rooftop. This way, you can prevent this blockage from causing irreparable damage to the structure. Moreover, an individual should inspect the drainage system habitually whenever it’s heavy rainfall or a storm.
- Strengthen the insulation
Do you know what causes heat to escape from your house? It’s believed that 25% of the heat from a boiler gets lost through poorly-insulated roofs. So, we suggest you effectively insulate the roof and make your attic evaporation-proof to trap the warmth inside the house. Properly-installed insulation can keep your house properly warm and comfy for up to four decades! On the other hand, you can save money on your energy bills when the roof’s insulation has been made strong enough today.
Conclusion
This article talks about how American homeowners can maintain their roofs properly to extend its life. A person shouldn’t forget about regularly inspecting the roof to identify leaks, cracks, and damages. It can help you repair these damages as soon as possible. Contact professional roofers for repairing/replacing damaged portions. Trim overhanging branches, maintain nearby gutters, and check the drainage for any signs of blockage. Moreover, improve the insulation to keep your family warm and remove moss/mold. Throw snow off the roof to avoid overburdening the structure. Don’t forget to check the shingles and replace them if damaged beyond repair. That’s how you take good care of your roof.
