Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, keeping the weather out and everything inside safe and dry. But like everything else of value, if you want your roof to last as long as possible you need to give it a little TLC.
The truth is, most people don’t think about their roof until there’s a problem… and then that’s all they can think about! But maintaining a roof isn’t complicated or difficult. By following these tips you’ll extend the life of your roof and put off the inevitable replacement.
Clean your gutters
Gutters collect rainwater and direct it away from your home's foundation, preventing damage to your home and increasing the longevity of your roof.
Over time, gutters can become clogged with debris such as leaves, twigs, dirt, and other materials. And when gutters are clogged they can’t function properly, so water could seep into your foundation and wick into the roof sheathing, causing it to rot.
Damage caused by gutter backup is easy to prevent. All you need to do is get up on a ladder and clear your gutters occasionally, call a professional gutter cleaning service or have gutter guards installed.
Keep trees trimmed
We all love sitting under a shady tree in the summer, but if that tree is too close to your house it could lead to trouble.
- Overhanging limbs and branches could potentially break off, causing immediate damage to your roof.
- Trees shed leaves, pine needles and other debris that can accumulate on the roof, clogging gutters and trapping moisture. If not cleared away, the moisture can promote the growth of moss and algae. This can damage the roof and reduce its lifespan.
- Trees can attract pests such as rodents, birds and insects, which can create nests and cause damage to the roof.
- Trees can block sunlight from reaching the roof, keeping it from drying out properly.
The simple solution here is to have your trees pruned by a professional tree service, especially if they’re large. This is good for the roof, as well as the health of the tree!
Clear snow from your roof
If your roof is sound, it’s not usually necessary to shovel off your roof. However, there are some situations where it may be advisable.
- If your area experiences an exceptionally heavy snowfall, it may be necessary to remove snow from your roof to prevent it from exceeding the load capacity of your roof.
- Ice dams can form when snow melts and refreezes on your roof, so it may be necessary to remove excess snow from your roof to prevent further ice dam formation and water damage.
- If you have a flat roof or one with very little pitch, it’s more susceptible to snow buildup and might need frequent snow removal to prevent damage.
- A home with a history of structural issues or an older, poorly maintained roof is more susceptible to damage, so it would be advisable to remove snow to avoid damage.
Perform a visual inspection of your roof
Although your roofing material is designed to protect you from the weather, it can still take a toll on your roof. Any type of severe weather, including high winds, excessive heat or bracing cold could damage even the strongest roofing systems.
- Inspect your roof from the ground, looking for any visible signs of damage, such as missing shingles, cracks or curling. Get a closer look by getting up on a ladder.
- Look for debris, such as shingle granules or even whole shingles in your gutters or on the ground near your home.
- Go into your attic and look for signs of water damage or leaks. This can be an indication that your shingles are damaged or missing.
Have your roof inspected
One of the best ways to maintain your roof is to have it professionally inspected at least once each year. This is what you can expect from a typical roof inspection:
- The inspector will examine the interior of your home, including the attic, looking for signs of damage.
- The inspector will check your roof from the outside, examining the roof, siding and eaves from the ground level and taking note of any obvious signs of damage.
- Your roof inspector will go up on the roof, looking at the construction of your roof and ensuring your vents and chimney are in good shape. They’ll make note of any issues such as missing shingles, damaged bricks or general wear.
If you’re not sure what to look for you might miss signs of damage that a professional will see right away, plus they’ll be able to make any necessary repairs to prolong the life of your roof.
Your roof is worth protecting
As a homeowner, committing to timely inspections and regular maintenance — whether you do it yourself or hire a professional — can prevent the need for extensive repairs and ensure your roof keeps your family safe and dry for its expected lifespan.
At Horizons Roofing, we believe your family and your home are worth protecting, so if you need your roof inspected, repaired or replaced, we’re here to help.
