The unexpected cost of replacing or repairing your roof from lack of maintenance can be excruciating. But maintaining your roof doesn’t need to be complicated! It just takes a little periodical work to keep it in excellent condition. By spending some time doing some basic maintenance, you can catch roof problems and solve them before they spiral out of control! Check out these simple roof maintenance tips to ensure a healthy roof for as long as possible:
1. Clean the Gutters
Damaged paint on siding is a common problem caused by clogged gutters. However, it might surprise you to learn that the overflow can also go upward! When leaves pile too deeply in gutters, water can wick into roof sheathing and rot it, or even rot roof rafters.
If you don’t keep up with your gutters, the damage could run into thousands of dollars! Avoid it by cleaning your gutters each fall and spring.
2. Remove Loose Debris Regularly
Bothersome branches, leaves and other elements can clog your gutter system and cause water to back up into the attic, living areas or behind the fascia boards. To ensure your drainage system is free flowing, it’s recommended that you clean your roof at least twice per year. Also, be on the lookout for sagging gutters or damaged drain components and repair or replace them as needed.
3. Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches can pose a big risk to your roof, and a little prevention in the form of tree-trimming goes a long way! Abrasion from limbs and leaves that touch your roof can damage shingles, especially in high winds.
Another less thought about risk posed by overhanging branches is the access it gives squirrels and other rodents to your roof. They can gnaw on your roof and siding. Branches need to be ten feet away from your roof to keep these pests at bay. If that’s not possible, consider wrapping the tree trunk with a sheet-metal bank to prevent them from climbing the tree.
4. Wash Your Roof
A key piece of advice when it comes to maintaining a shingle roof is to wash it. At some point, your roof will start to look dirty, with long, dark streaks flowing from peak to eave. This is algae growing on your house. Algae won’t cause any immediate damage, but if you leave it long enough it can slowly rot your shingles.
To get rid of these little plant-like critters, spray your roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach. The bleach will fairly quickly kill the algae, but you’ll also want to install copper strips just beneath your roof’s peak. When it rains, the copper molecules will stream down your roof, killing any algae fixing for a comeback.
Need professional help with your roof maintenance? Get in touch with a professional at Walker Brothers Roofing!
