As a homeowner, keeping your roof in excellent condition is essential. The roof protects the structure of your house, your family, and your belongings from the elements. Here are a few helpful tips for roof maintenance to protect your investment.
Roof Maintenance: Look for Damage
At least once each year, it’s a good idea to check your roof for damage. Especially after severe weather events, look for missing, broken, or loose shingles. You can easily replace a few cracked or missing shingles. However, if you have large areas of damage, it may be best to replace the entire roof.
You may also notice shingle granules in the gutters or at the bottom of your downspouts. These granules help protect the shingles from UV damage, and shedding the granules is a sign your roofing materials are nearing the end of their lifespan. Talk to a roofing professional to make repairs or install a new roof.
Keep the Roof Clean
Remove leaves, branches, and other debris accumulating on roofing materials. If you have trees around your house, trim branches that overhang the roof. Large branches can fall and cause costly damage. Hire a professional arborist to remove dead or diseased limbs and branches growing near the roof or chimney.
Roof Maintenance: Clean the Gutters
Inspect your gutters and downspouts regularly, especially if you live in a wooded area. Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris that might be clogging them. Clogged gutters allow water to overflow and seep under the roofing materials and against your home’s siding and foundation. Over time, you may experience leaks, siding damage, and mold growth. Cleaning the gutters helps prevent water damage to your roof and home.
Check Inside the Attic for Signs of Damage
If you have an attic, go inside and look for roof problems, such as leaks, cracks, or sunlight coming through the roof boards. Check for water stains on the roofing supports and walls. Dark streaks could indicate water damage or mold growth. These are all indications that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
Roof maintenance extends the life of your roof and protects your home. These tips will keep your roof in great shape for years and help you avoid costly repairs. If you have concerns about the condition of your roof, contact a professional roofing contractor.
Carolina HomePro Inspections offers inspections to customers in Charlotte, NC, and in the Rock Hill area of South Carolina. Contact us to schedule an inspection.