Roof Maintenance Tips for Preventing Leaks
Regular roof maintenance is the key to preventing roof leaks. More importantly, a basic maintenance routine will optimize the lifespan of your roof. As a homeowner, you may not be familiar with the signs of damage to your roof, unless of course a leak forms. Unfortunately, once there is a leak, you may also have damage to interior structures of your home including the roof deck and your attic. Even the most affordable roof can last more than 20 years if it properly maintained. Here are some roof maintenance tips for preventing leaks that roof professionals swear by.
The Basics
First of all, let’s start by talking about some basic tips to prevent leaks for on your roof. Certainly, you want to ensure regular maintenance of roofing structures such as gutters and drains. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can collect in gutters and blocks water flow so that your roof is more likely to sustain water damage. Regular cleaning of gutters and drains is critical for roof maintenance. You should also trim and prune trees to prevent overhanging branches from depositing debris on your roof. Finally, make sure your roof is well-ventilated year round by leaving roof vents open to prevent moisture from damaging your roof.
Another important tip from roofing professionals is to avoid walking on your roof as much as possible. Use ladders to clean gutters and binoculars to inspect your roof. Not only can a lot of traffic on your roof contribute to damage, but it’s also important to ensure you have the correct safety equipment so you don’t get injured from falls.
Signs of Damage
Heavy rain or snow, high winds, and even the sun can damage shingles and other roofing materials. When you are checking for damage, you’re looking for some of the tell-tale signs that your roof needs repairs:
- Leaking gutters
- Missing shingles
- Cracked, curling, or broken shingles
- Wear or damage to roofing structures like vents or chimneys
- Moss or mold growth
All roofs will be damaged from time-to-time. Roofing professionals recommend annual inspections (at a minimum) to ensure your roof, materials, and structures are in good condition and not likely to contribute to leaks. In fact, twice annual inspections are ideal. By inspecting your roof before the harshest weather sets in, you can be sure that your roof will survive that weather. Once again, inspecting after the worst weather seasons allows roofers to make the necessary repairs to keep your roof in good stead.
Not only can regular roofing inspections and a basic maintenance regime keep your roof in great condition throughout its lifespan, but it can also save you money on roofing maintenance and repairs because you can schedule roofing work at a time that is convenient for you and your roofer.