Rain or Shine: Roof Maintenance Tips
Your roof is more than just gutters and shingles; it acts as your home’s primary defense against outside elements like rain, sun, and pests. Oftentimes, your roof is the most neglected part of your home, simply due to its elevation and inaccessibility. However, taking care of your roof doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Understanding the importance of roof maintenance can save you money and increase your property value.
Proper roof maintenance is just as crucial as caring for other areas of your home. Whether you have asphalt shingles, slate tiles, or metal panels, taking care of your roof can significantly increase its lifespan.
The importance of regular roof care
When was the last time you thought about how important your roof is to the overall structure of your home? Your home’s electricity, plumbing, and design would not come together without the roof. Aside from providing protection over you and your loved ones, regular roof maintenance can improve your home’s energy efficiency, structural support, and overall value. Follow the 5 roof maintenance tips below and you can potentially avoid unforeseen headaches down the road.
Clean your gutters
Leaves, sticks, and other natural elements can easily fall in your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing away from your roof smoothly and can lead to potential water damage. It’s a good idea to clean your gutters at least once a year, specifically at the beginning of spring or at the end of fall.
A simple way to keep your gutters clean is to use a ladder and gloves or a broom to get the debris out. Make sure you have support nearby to keep the ladder stable. You can also install gutter guards or filters for leaf protection.
Examine your roof
The easiest way to inspect your roof is to walk around the base of your home and look for damage: water spots, broken shingles, leaf build-up in roof valley/corners, and any other visible signs of wear and tear. Use a pair of binoculars if needed and pay extra attention to the material around your chimney, vents, and eaves. Inspections should be prioritized after heavy storms or severe temperatures (hot or cold).
If you own a drone, utilize it to get an overhead view of the high points of your roof. If your roof is 5 years or older, it might be time to get a professional inspection by a roofing company to check for more extensive damage that you may not be able to notice.
Remove plant growth
Plant growth on your roof or in your gutters may not raise any red flags right away, but it’s likely to cause long term damage to your roofing material. Whether it’s green leaves, moss, or algae patches, all growth should be resolved as soon as possible to prevent future issues. Growth can begin on any roofing material given the right conditions, but its ideal environment is in warm, humid areas on asphalt shingles.
If you want to take on the task by yourself, you can clean the lower levels of your roof with a garden hose or plant solution. However, for the highest parts of your roof, consider hiring a professional roof cleaning company to clean the elevated slopes and peaks safely. If the growth is severe, it may be best to fully replace some shingles instead of trying to clean them.
Trim nearby tree branches
Overhanging tree limbs can damage your roof material by scraping or dragging. To prevent damage, remove rotten or dead tree limbs that are near, above, or touching your home. If you aren’t sure a tree limb is too close, a good rule of thumb is to keep branches 6-10 feet away from your home. This distance allows room for windstorms and growth.
A professional tree removal company is a smart and safe way to prune your branches. If you’re a Do-It-Yourself homeowner, you can trim overhanging limbs on your own time if you have access to reach them.
Check your attic
Water damage may not always present itself on the base level of your home at first, but it could be noticeable in your attic. Inspecting your attic at least once a year or before changing seasons can inform you of any damages. To maintain proper ventilation under your roof, make sure your attic vents aren’t covered by insulation or storage boxes.
When you inspect your attic, keep an eye out for signs of damage like discoloration on the ceiling or walls, damp odors, mold growth, and moisture near windows or vents.
Fix your roof now, don’t wait for rain to show you how
One of the biggest mistakes you could make as a homeowner is procrastinating when it comes to outdoor maintenance. Sure, you can wait to lay new pine straw in your flower beds or pressure wash your driveway–but when your roof is involved, it’s important to make timely repairs.
If you see signs of water damage on or under your roof, get a professional inspection to prevent the damages from getting worse. Untreated water damage can be a fire hazard to your home and potentially cause electrical shortages.
Signs of roof damage
Imagine this: there was a heavy storm a few days ago and you know there’s no extreme damage, but you’ve decided to be a smart homeowner and inspect your roof for damage. What exactly should you look for?
Signs of damage from outside your home could include:
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Cracked, curled, or missing shingles
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Dark streaks
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Severe vegetation growth
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Sagging roof
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Damaged flashing
Signs of damage from inside your home could include:
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Water stains on walls or ceilings
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High humidity levels
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Peeling paint
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Increased utility bills
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Odors of moisture/mold
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Sunlight showing in your attic
Consequences of neglecting routine roof maintenance
Neglecting regular roof care can lead to significantly greater damage that is often greater than the cost of regular maintenance. Making small repairs quickly and efficiently will benefit you and your home in the long run, and you can potentially avoid dealing with:
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Roof leaks that lead to structural damage and mold growth
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Decreased home energy efficiency due to gaps in your roof
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Reduced roof lifespan
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Insurance coverage issues
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Financial burden from costly repairs or replacements
Despite your diligent roof maintenance efforts throughout the year, natural disasters can still occur unexpectedly. That’s why having the right insurance coverage for your home is so important. Call your local Alfa®️ agent today to learn more about your homeowners insurance coverage.