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One of the hardest tasks in home maintenance is taking care of the roof. Nevertheless, one can hardly ignore the integral part of the house and need to do everything to safeguard it from the elements and everything that is likely to cause damage. So, roof maintenance should be the top priority of every homeowner to extend its life and functionality.

Read here to grab the best roof maintenance tips that will safeguard the structure and prevent you costly damage for many years.

1. Inspect the roof regularly

Before you even know which maintenance tip to implement, don’t skip regular inspections. That way you can spot the issues early on and prevent them from escalating, which may require costly repairs down the line. When you inspect the roof periodically, you can take the right measures immediately; it becomes more important after a heavy rain or storm when you might come across damaged, missing, and curled shingles.

When inspecting the roof, you can also examine the gutter and the downspout to see if rotten leaves and debris has resulted in clog. Obstructions in the gutter may prevent rainwater from draining properly and cause extensive damage to the property.

2. Gutter cleaning is essential

The drainage system of your home or the gutter is present on the roof. It helps in diverting water away from shingles and the foundation of your home, keeping them in top condition. Not only leaves, debris, and twigs block the system but they also turn to shelters for birds, rodents, and pests when you fail to take proper care. So, neglecting the cleanliness of the gutter can be devastating for the roof and the house. Moreover, you need to check the downspouts at the end of the gutter to check for blockages. You need to remove the blockage and allow water to drain freely.

3. Attic insulation

Attic is one of the least visited places for most homeowners but do you know that ignoring this part of the roof may damage your home beyond means. Pay attention to the attic’s ventilation and prevent the formation of ice dams when the warm air inside this area melts the snow on the roof. When ice dams stick to the eaves, the gutters and downspouts become clogged, causing extensive damage to the house. That is why you need to insulate the attic to ensure that it functions properly. Consult with a professional if needed for more information about attic insulation.

4. Address a leaky roof

One of the most important aspects of roof repair is addressing leaks on the roofs. Usually, the signs of a leaky roof are the presence of stains on the ceiling and walls. Besides, you may come across cracked flashing, missing shingles, and various other sources of leaks. Repair the leaks immediately to avoid causing more damage to the roof and the house.

5. Trimming the branches

Overhanging branches of trees may cause a lot of damage to the trees. It may also mean that you are not allowing sunlight to enter the roof adequately. When the roof fails to get sunlight, it may be exposed to the growth of algae and moss. Moreover, when they grow dangerously long, it may cause structural damage to the roof.

Besides, long branches may impact the shingles when the weather goes bad and stormy. Long tree branches hanging overhead give an opportunity to pests and rodents to secretly enter the house. So, by trimming the branches, you can improve the health of the roof and reduce the chance of damaged shingles.

6. Apply sealants and coating

Applying sealant and coating on the roof is like adding an extra layer that safeguards the roof from snow, rain, and sun. However, these coatings may not be appropriate for all kinds of roofs except for slate and metal roofs.

7. Inspect the chimney

Usually, the area around the chimney can be sealed with caulking but it won’t last a lifetime. Over the period, you may notice cracks in the caulking or around the vent pipes or the chimney and fix the problems right away. You must clean and inspect that area within a couple of years so that small problems do not turn big. As part of roof maintenance, you must clean the chimney regularly and remove the debris and soot and prevent the risk of fire.

8. Removal of moss and algae

The moment you notice signs of moss and algae on the roof, keep in mind that they are indicative of graver problems. For instance, moss and algae show that moisture must be present and it is important to address the issue right away. Cleaning solutions are used for removal of moss from the roof and prevent it from coming back again and again.

9. Check the flashing

Inspection of flashing is essential for roofing maintenance and helps spot the issues early on or wait to undertake more costly repairs when the damage becomes significant. The best time to inspect flashing is during fall and spring as those are the times when the weather stays mild and it is easier to gain access to the roof.

The signs of problems you may come across in the flashing are cracks, rust, or missing pieces. What you need to check when inspecting the flashing is that there shouldn’t be any gaps between this structure and the wall or roof. It will not allow water to seep in and cause damage.

10. Keep the ventilation intact

To prevent moisture buildup, you must allow air to circulate freely. Debris such as branches, leaves, and insects or pests may build their home in the vents and voids of the roof. Make sure you check these areas and remove and insects. This also helps you save money in untimely roof repair.

Maintaining the roof regularly might seem more daunting than it is but investing a little bit of your time eventually helps you save money for repairs. Are you trying to figure out he to begin with the roof maintenance tips and ensure the health of the home’s defense system? At Fences & Decks for Less, people swear by our roofing services. Stay in touch with us here https://fencedecksforless.com/ to stay up-to-date on roof maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lifespan of a home’s roof?

The average lifespan of the roof is twenty-five to fifty but it may increase greatly through proper maintenance.

How can I strengthen the roof?

You can get started by nailing down the roof shingles, check the flashing, add hurricane clips, and cement the shingles.