7 Maintenance Tasks Thatâll Keep Your Roof In Optimal Condition
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: December 13, 2021
Table of Contents
Keep Your Roof In Optimal Condition
When it comes to home maintenance, every inch of the house needs attention at one point or another. Having a roof over your head is the most exciting part of being a homeowner. However, at some point in time, you will need to replace your roof. Each roof has a lifespan depending on several factors, but getting it to last can be easy if you follow the appropriate maintenance routine. Check out these 7 maintenance tasks that can help you keep your roof in optimal condition.
Trim Your Trees
Trees significantly improve the appearance of your home, but they may pose a danger if they are overgrown. If you feel that your tree can cause damage to your property, especially the roof, itâs high time you call an arborist to trim it. Twigs and tree leaves can accumulate inside the roofâs gutter system and cause water clogging which ultimately leads to roof damage. Furthermore, if tree branches extend to your roof, there is a danger that strong winds will break them and fall on the roof. In places where heavy winds and hurricanes are common, falling trees can cause extensive property damage. Therefore, prune all the trees that can pose a threat to your home before the onset of the rainy season.
Keep Your Roof And Gutters Clean
Cleaning your roof is one of the most effective remedies you should prioritize to extend its lifespan. Depending on the type of your rooftop, you must clean it at least once every year to ensure that it is free of debris and other unwanted elements that can disturb the smooth flow of water. For instance, Colorbond roofs are common in Perth and cleaning is an integral part of maintaining high-quality steel. It is crucial to learn how to clean a Colorbond roof in Perth if you want to maintain the integrity of your home. There are different methods you can use to clean Colorbond steel like chemical cleaning and solvent cleaning.
However, whichever method you use to clean your roof and gutters, you should know that some solvents can damage your roof. They can also be harmful to health if not handled properly. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools like wire brushes since they can remove the topcoat. If you donât have the appropriate equipment to use for roof cleaning, you may need to enlist the services of a professional.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
The roof is exposed to weather elements, and it is not surprising that some of its components like shingles will end up cracking, curling, or missing. Therefore, you must conduct regular inspections to be able to identify potential problems while they are still small. You can inspect your roof at least twice every year and check if there are missing or broken shingles.
The easiest way of checking leaks is to look for dark stains on the ceiling or the walls inside your home. However, it is a good idea to call a professional roof contractor to inspect your home at least once every year. The main benefit of enlisting the services of a professional inspector is that they have the right equipment to use.
Repair Leaks
As indicated above, professional inspectors can identify hidden defects that any homeowner can easily miss. Once you identify a potential issue, you should immediately take appropriate action to repair it. You need to address the problem of small leaks earlier since they can lead to more challenges that can be expensive to repair. When you see signs of dark spots on the walls or ceiling, you should check the source of water right away. Other things that you should immediately repair include torn, cracked, missing shingles, or signs of sagging. Loose material around your vents, chimneys, and pipes requires attention as well.
Shore Up The Roof
If you live in places characterized by tornadoes, severe windstorms, and hurricanes, you should shore up your roof to fortify it. It is important to consult professional roofers in your area so they can find better ways to reinforce your roof. Other methods you can consider to protect your roof against extreme weather include the installation of flashing on the edges to keep strong winds at bay. Sealing the decking can also go a long way in protecting it against strong winds that can blow off your roof.
Remove Snow From Your Roof
Too much accumulation of snow on your roof can cause damage. The weight alone can be unbearable, so donât allow excessive snow to accumulate on your rooftop. Once the snow reaches a depth of six inches, you should scrap it off. The other problem that can be caused by snow is that it damages the shingles. If your roof holds too much snow, it will gradually weaken, and its lifespan will be significantly shortened. To be on the safe side, you should rid your roof of snow earlier before it accumulates.
Make Sure Your Attic has Good Insulation and Ventilation
Make sure the attic has suitable insulation to maintain the interior temperature of your home stable. This will help prevent water vapor from accumulating inside the roof which can cause damages in the long run. A vapor retarder underneath the regular insulation provides extra protection. You should also make sure that your roof has good ventilation to prevent the buildup of water vapor and moisture which can damage the roofâs rafters and sheathing. Check the atticâs vents and make sure they are free of debris. If possible, you can install screens to keep animals at bay. The interior of your roof should always be dry to prevent the rotting of wood which can weaken the roof.
No homeowner wants to face the challenge of replacing a roof though it is inevitable at times. However, you can buy time and extend the lifespan of your roof by utilizing a simple solution for maintaining the roof you already have. Make sure you inspect the rooftop regularly and fix all small problems before they develop into bigger issues. If you want your roof to last for decades, you can follow the tips above.
Thank you for reading!
