The roof is a vital part of the home. Not only does it protect the house from various elements, but also increases curb appeal. Both aesthetics and functionality play a big role, and being able to balance between the two will provide a quality living space that looks beautiful. Living in a house requires regular maintenance you can do yourself or with the help of a roofing professionals. The same rules apply to your roof which you probably don’t climb up that often, but going up there a few times a year will increase its longevity. 619 Roofing gave me all the tips I needed to be able to take basic care of my roof, so here’s what you can do:
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Check the Shingles
Shingles are the first line of defense against all elements throughout the year. Be it the sun, rain, or snow, healthy shingles are crucial to the roof’s durability. You should inspect them every season, especially after periods of bad weather with a lot of wind, rain, or snow. Some of them might be damaged badly, worn out, or missing. You need to replace the missing and broken ones. Flashing should also be checked and caulked around it. Moss often resides on the roof, especially on humid surfaces with little sunshine. Anything you can fix yourself or with the help of a pro will prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Remove Unwanted Growth
As I already mentioned, moss and lichen can nest on your roof and create problems. Regular checkups once a year are sufficient. You can schedule a visit from a professional to have a closer look and then remove the growth with proper tools. After you are sure the roof is clean you can apply products that are going to protect it from any unwanted plant life.
Keep Gutters Clean
Gutters guide the water down to the ground. If they are clogged then the water might stay up on the roof and potentially find a spot to leak in. You can check gutters a few times a year, particularly when you expect heavy rain. If you live in a windy area then there’s more chance debris will fly into the gutters and create membranes of dirt and leaves.
This rule can apply to the entire roof. Regular cleaning will lengthen its vitality and prevent unnecessary damage and repairs.
If you have trees close to your home you should check how close the branches are to the roof. Hurricanes and strong can be harmful if the branches are too close and that’s why you should consider trimming any branch that might cause damage
Caulk Around Flashings
Caulk prevents water from leaking in from the roof, usually around flashings and vent pipes. It can also be damaged by elements or worn out. Your venture to the roof should include caulk inspection as well, and if you notice it’s in a bad state or missing, you can remove the old one and fill the gap with fresh caulk.
Exposure to Sunlight
Ideally, you want the sun to affect your roof moderately. High temperatures caused by constant exposure will degrade the quality of your shingles, but the lack of sun will expose the roof to algae and moss. You can’t control how the sun will affect your roof, but you can act depending on the outcome.
Professional Checkup
Climbing up to a roof is dangerous. If you don’t feel confident enough or lack the experience needed to address potential issues, then it is better to contact a professional and let them perform regular maintenance.