Roofs are an important part of every home to protect us from the heat, cold, and harsh weather conditions, bugs, animals, and other elements. Our roof is the unseen and unsung hero of our home.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season is approaching, lasting usually from June 1st to November 30th every year. So be prepared and take care of your roof today.
And for that reason, roofs must be properly maintained for them to last. Unfortunately, we rarely pay attention to our house roofs and only tend to it when it is too late. If your roof has sprung a leak, your home insurance should cover it, and if they cannot quote you a number that you’re happy with, do not hesitate to contact a property damage lawyer. They will work for a contingency fee and only get paid if they win your case.
Even if we will eventually change roofs for these have reached the lifespan or repair some parts damaged by storms or typhoons, there are ways on how to properly maintain your house’s roof and prevent it from leaking.
Essential Roof Maintenance Checklist
1 – Inspect your roof twice a year
Check your roof every spring and fall to inspect if there are broken gutters, exposed fasteners, damaged drip edge, loose or missing flashing, and such. You can do this as a routine after high winds by doing a visual from the ground inspection. Any signs of damage must be fixed at the soonest time possible by a professional contractor to prevent further damage.
2 – Look for leaks
Regularly inspect your attics or ceilings for water stains. Look for bulging patches on interior walls, spots on exterior walls, or any signs that water is seeping through inside your home.
Do not forget to check if metal flashings are not rusting or have no gaps or cracks to prevent possible leaking. When these signs are visible, you must speak to a professional roofer to have the situation assessed, if it needs more than just DIY maintenance.
3 – Wash your roof
Use a power washer or heavy-duty brush to remove dirt, moss, and algae that have accumulated through time. You can either use a roof moss remover or a mixture of water and bleach to get rid of any particles that can lead to serious rotting on your shingles.
4 – Clean your gutters
This probably is the easiest and the foremost roof maintenance that you can do. Cleaning and clearing your gutters from debris and leaves is recommended twice a year; once in spring and one in fall as part of your regular house roof maintenance checklist.
Carefully remove accumulated debris from the gutters and downspouts, followed by scrubbing on all areas using a soft-bristled brush to get rid of grime and dirt. Clogged gutters make water seep under the structure of your roof and eventually causing damage.
5 – Trim the trees around your home
Overhanging tree branches can damage your roof during extreme weather conditions. Cut off large branches near your roof to eliminate the risk of them falling on your roof during high winds or storms.
Besides, doing so will limit the leaves from piling on your shingles and gutters which eventually rust and rot your roof.
While DIY maintenance can help extend the life of your roof, it is also recommended to get in touch with a professional roofer for recommendations based on your roof’s condition. This may sound like an added expense, but taking care of your roof properly is also an investment.
