Your roof plays a vital role in protecting the rest of your home from the elements. Knowing how to take proper care of your roof and keep your roof in good shape can improve your roof’s protective properties. Additionally, taking adequate care of your roof can help extend the number of years of high-quality usage you get from your roof and save you from expensive repairs.
Smart Way #1: Regularly Cleaning Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is one of the best ways to take care of your roof. Over time, leaves, twigs, and other small debris can accumulate in your gutters. If you leave this debris alone, it will clog up your gutters and prevent water from flowing into the downspouts and away from your home.
Clogged gutters can lead to a host of different problems. Clogged gutters can cause moisture to build up around the side of your roof; it can cause damage to the edge of your roof as well as the fascia of your roof. Additionally, misdirected water from clogged gutters can result in damage to your siding and foundation.
This issue is easy to avoid. At least twice a year, clean your gutters. To clean your gutters, you can use gloved hands or a soft gutter scooper to scoop up the debris in your gutters. You can also use a hose or a pressure washer set on a low setting to push out the debris.
To make taking care of your gutters even easier, you can install a gutter guard. A gutter guard will help keep most large debris out of your gutters.
Smart Way #2: Remove Debris from Your Roof
Next, it is essential to deal with the debris on your roof. Piles of leaves and sticks on your roof may not seem like that big of a deal. However, if you allow leaves and other debris to sit on your roof for long periods, they can allow moisture to accumulate on your roof.
This can lead to mold growth on your roof. This can also increase the likelihood of roof leaks. Additionally, roof debris can attract small pests that like to feed on old debris. Roof debris can also attract rodents, which like to nest inside decaying debris. Both insects and rodents can damage your roof.
If you notice leaves and sticks sitting on your roof for more than a few days, get up on your roof and clear them off.
Smart Way #3: Stop Roof Algae
If you live in a humid environment, you need to watch out for roof algae. In a humid climate, all it takes for roof allergy to start growing on your roof are for spores to land on your roof and take root.
Group algae the dark streaks and spots that you see on roofs. Roof algae usually appear dark Brown or black streaks, although sometimes it may appear as green or white spots.
The best way to prevent algae on your roof is to remove debris from your roof to clean your gutters. You can also have your roofing contractor apply a chemical coating to your roof that will stop algae growth before it starts. If you already have algae on your roof, you can hire a roofing professional to eradicate the algae.
Smart Way #4: Get a Yearly Roof Inspection
Finally, if you want to get more years of usage out of your roof, you should get a yearly roof inspection. During an annual roof inspection, a roofing professional will carefully check your roof for any damage.
A trained eye will spot issues that you may overlook, such as degrading sealant around a roof vent that could lead to a roof leak. Taking care of these small issues will help extend the life of your roof and save you from expensive repairs.
When it comes to home maintenance, taking care of your roof should always be a top priority. For assistance with taking care of your roof, call Done Right Home Improvements. We can help you take care of your roof and ensure your roof lasts as long as possible while still providing you with high-quality performance.