Make Your Roof Last and Save Money with These Roof Maintenance Tips

A roof replacement costs a lot more than roof maintenance, that’s for sure. If you have a house that’s already a few years old, you will already need to conduct regular roof maintenance to save you from the misery of having to deal with expensive roof repairs and replacement.

Here are some tips that will make your roof last longer and save you more money:

Tip #1: Regularly inspect your roof
Take time to regularly inspect your roof. You don’t need to be up on the roof all the time. You can go around your property to see its condition. This will let you know if your roof needs a leak repair or if some shingles need to be replaced. It is best to call in the professionals at least once a year to conduct a thorough inspection.

Tip #2: Clean your gutters
Gutter cleaning. Not everyone looks forward to it but it is one of the most important ways to care for your roof, especially if trees surround your home. Clear the gutters of leaves, branches, twigs, and other debris to prevent clogging of drains. This can lead to bigger damages if neglected.

Tip #3: Trim the tree branches nearby
If you have plenty of trees around your property and most of their branches reach your roofs, their dry leaves and dead branches will make up most of the debris in your gutter. In addition to that, you’re also at the risk of heavier branches breaking off and falling on your roof which can be extremely dangerous. So keep the trees neatly trimmed and keep the branches far from your house.

Tip #4: Get rid of any debris as soon as you can
Debris often falls on roofs but they’re mostly light and can be easily blown off by the wind. But in some cases, when something larger and heavier lands on your roof, remove it immediately to prevent moisture from building up underneath it if it sits on your roof for too long.

Tip #5: Try not to get on the roof as much as possible
Concerning the previous tips provided above, only go up on your roof when necessary. Any unnecessary traipsing and treading on the roof can add wear and tear to yours. This compromises its strength and shortens its lifespan.

Tip #6: Don’t make any adjustments or tweaks to the structure underneath the roof
Whatever you do, do not mess with the roofing structure. Don’t make any tweaks on it without consulting professionals, especially when it comes to the trusses. Trusses are designed to equally carry the roof’s load so if you end up damaging one because of modifications, you will end up with a really expensive roofing repair project on your hands.

Tip #7: Know when to clear snow from the roof or leave it alone
A heavy amount of snowfall on the roof adds unnecessary weight and load to the roof which adds to its wear and tear. If you get that much snowfall, then it is best to have it removed as soon as you can. But if you only get light snowfall, it’s best to just let the sun do its work.

Tip #8: Prevent ice dams from forming
Ice dams lool cool and nice but they don’t do the roof any good. Repairs from damages caused by ice dams are costly and you don’t want that. Make sure to insulate your home and roof to keep the roof at the right temperature to prevent snow from melting and freezing on your roof’s colder parts.

Tip #9: Keep your attic well-ventilated
Building codes require a certain number of vents in the attic but roofers recommend adding more than the required minimum. The right amount of ventilation will keep attics from overheating and prevent moisture build-up from underneath the roof.

Tip #10: Seek professional services
Lastly, if at any time you are unsure of how to go about roof maintenance, call in the big boys to help get the job done for you.

It is better to call in the professionals who know what they’re doing than to attempt to do things yourself yet you have no clue about what to do. Sure there are plenty of DIY guides online but the results are not always 100% guaranteed foolproof. In a lot of cases, homeowners who attempted to DIY their roof repairs and maintenance ended up causing greater damage and spending more than they intended.

Proper roof care and maintenance will prevent any inconveniences and unexpected expenses. So make sure that you take good care of your roof to give you and your family peace of mind.

 

Author: WebEditor

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