How to Maintain Your Roof and Increase its Lifespan
How to Maintain Your Roof and Increase its Lifespan
Replacing your entire roof is something you to avoid because it can be very costly and many Americans cannot afford it. There is a way to prevent this, and it is through routine inspections and maintenance that you can easily schedule out. This will help you repair any issues you are experiencing with your roof before they get out of hand and become a lot more costly.
Inspect Your Roofing Material
No matter the materials you are using for your roof, you need to inspect them routinely. If you notice that you’re missing some shingles or that they’re damaged, then this indicates that you need to repair your roof. Also, you should clean your roof periodically, and if don’t, then lichen or algae can grow and proliferate. You should act quickly in these situations because the problem can exacerbate and spread to other areas of your roof.
Resealing Your Roof
Similar to resealing your driveway, you will also need to apply a new layer of sealant to your roof periodically. This is because the older sealant isn’t as effective as it once was. Now you notice that your shingles are beginning to crack and wither.
Trim Any Overgroing Branches
If you notice that any tree branches that are hanging over your roof, then you should trim them immediately or remove them altogether. Leaves retain moisture and, when they fall from your tree and onto your roof, they will begin to rot the material. This will weaken your roof and, if you ignore the issue, then you can expect there to be severe structural damage. This is very costly to repair, and you can avoid the issue altogether through simple maintenance.
Cleaning Out Your Gutters
This one seems like a no-brainer, but unfortunately, there are a lot of homeowners who fail to clean out their gutters. Leaves and debris that collect in your gutters will cause water to seep into your roofing structure. Cleaning out your gutters routinely will prevent water damage and keep your roof in good condition.
Maintaining Your Chimney
You may notice cracks and missing mortar in your chimney, which you will want to repair or replace as soon as you can. The mortar holds the bricks of your chimney in place; if any missing pieces of your chimney end up on your roof, then this can lead to severe structural damage.
Removing Ice Dams
You should also know that ice dams can form on your roof during the winter months, and if this happens, then you should remove it immediately. Ice dams prevent water from draining off your roof. The water will inevitably seep into your home and cause damage to your ceilings, walls, and insulation.