Installing a new roof on your home is a great investment. It keeps all elements out and preserves the structural integrity of your home. But if you fail to keep up with proper roof maintenance, your investment won’t last as long as it should.
Putting a new roof on your home requires more than just installing the roof and calling it a day. You must be proactive to prolong the lifespan of the shingles. By following these 7 tips, you’ll be on the road to a quality roof for many years to come.
Any visible growth on your roof needs to be addressed immediately. This can include moss, algae, vines, etc. Plant growth on your roof is problematic because it harbors moisture, which doesn’t allow your roof to dry properly. In order to keep your roof dry, you must keep all plant life off of it.
Trees touching your roof are problematic for multiple reasons. A branch growing and pushing on your roof shingles can cause the shingle to become damaged or broken. It also promotes plant growth and gives bugs and critters easy access to your roof. It is recommended that you keep tree branches 6-10 feet away from your roof. This means that you may want to plant larger trees up to 20-30 feet away from your home. Taking these steps will greatly improve the amount of roof maintenance you need to perform.
Any element sitting on your roof is an issue, whether it’s snow, ice, rain, or debris. By leaving snow on your roof in the wintertime, this may cause ice dams in your gutters. An ice dam is a large chunk of ice that builds over time, keeping any melting snow from draining properly into the gutter. This causes a collection of water that sits and seeps into your roof, walls, attic, etc. You’ll want to make sure there is no snow or ice buildup occurring on your roof.
If you spot sitting water on your roof after a storm, you’ll want to have your roof inspected. This could be caused by something simple, such as clogged gutters, or something more severe, such as a drooping or sagging roof. Sitting water is problematic because the water will start to seep into your home, causing structural damage, mold, and could even lead to a complete roof collapse in extreme conditions. Including visual inspections is a necessary part of your regular roof maintenance.
Cracked or missing shingles may not seem like a huge problem, but ignoring these issues will lead to big issues in the long run. If you have damaged shingles, this means that your home is not being properly protected from the elements. Rain will not be able to properly flow off the roof, and moisture can get stuck in the cracks and crevices of the damaged shingles. Calling your homeowner’s insurance is a must before replacing shingles. ClaimsMate provides a detailed article on what to expect during the insurance process.
Clogged gutters are well known for causing issues with siding and the basement, and even issues with the roof. Since the water has nowhere to go, it will back up onto the roof, down the siding, and towards your foundation. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year- once in the spring and once in the fall. You should also inspect the gutters after big storms to make sure there isn’t any large debris laying on your gutters.
Proper insulation in the attic is an important aspect of roof maintenance. Improper insulation and ventilation can lead to excess moisture, causing rot and mold. This will structurally affect your roof. If the hot air has nowhere to go and meets cold plywood, it can cause the roof to sweat. This will also lead to excess moisture in the attic. Proper insulation and ventilation in the attic is key for proper roof maintenance.
Flashings are strips of metal that direct water away from fixtures on your roof that aren’t completely protected by shingles, such as a chimney or kitchen vent. Flashings can lift or rust over time, so proper care is important for roof maintenance. If the flashing starts to lift, caulking the gap will keep water out of these tricky spots.
Proper roof maintenance is a critical part of being a homeowner. Many of these tips can be completed yourself, but replacing damaged shingles should be performed by a professional. Without a solid roof, your home is susceptible to damage, including rot, mold, and structural issues. By following these 7 tips, you’ll know your roof will be properly cared for and maintained for many years to come.
ProCon Exteriors is a local roofing contractor in Kidron, Ohio, who are experts in the trade and can help you determine what the best option is for your home and budget. We know that proper roof maintenance is critical to prolonging the life of your roof. If you are unsure about any aspect of your roof, give us a call. We’ll be happy to inspect your roof.
We are committed to giving you the pros and the cons of the roofing & exterior services and products that are available for your home. We won’t try to sell you what you don’t need. We will make sure that you understand the variety of roofing, siding, window, and door products on the market. Our goal is helping you choose the right roofing system and exterior for your home.