As per a statistic, roof maintenance costs more than a hundred thousand dollars over the building’s lifespan. Thus, roof maintenance, including replacement or repairing, is an expense that most people can’t afford. There is an easy alternative for people who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on roof maintenance with simple roof maintenance procedures.
Just by spending a few hours periodically on a roof maintenance schedule, you can avoid the high costs associated with roof maintenance. So, here are a few tips that can help protect your roof and keep it in pristine condition for an extended period.
Inspect Shingles
Periodic shingle inspection is one of the easiest ways to maintain your roof. Check for any missing or damaged shingles. Similarly, check for other issues like moss, algae, and fungal growth that can degrade the shingle’s life. Immediately repair or replace any damaged shingles that you might notice. Also, replace shingles that have worn out, have algae growth, or are missing.
Shingle replacement can be done easily without professional help. It is also a cheap and fast process. But, if you find the task difficult, you can hire a professional roof maintenance contractor.
Replace Sealant
The sealant undergoes significant wear and tear over time. Thus, you will need to check for issues with the sealant regularly. Identify damage signs such as cracking or a loose sealant and get it fixed immediately. Depending upon the condition, you might need to eradicate the old layer and replace it with a fresh one.
You can also apply protective layers like silicone and acrylic coatings to protect your roof from damage, increase its durability and life span.
Trim the Trees
There might be trees growing near your house, whose branches might be overhanging too closely or right above the roof of your house. Unpleasant weather conditions like storms can or heavy rains can send the tree branches crashing on the roof, damaging it. The incident can also lead to physical injuries. Additionally, the falling leaves will start collecting on the roof. This will result in the accumulation of moisture, which, in turn, will rot and damage the roof tiles.
Thus, it would be best if you trimmed overhanging tree limbs to prevent such unwanted situations. It also helps add to the aesthetic of your home when you have well-maintained trimmed trees.
Check the Insulation
You need to check your attic to make sure that it is properly insulated and ventilated. This will help keep the roof in good condition by reducing moisture and prevent ice dam formation. While ice dams may be pretty to look at, they are dangerous for the roof. They can lead to the growth of mold, algae, and mildew. It can increase the cost of roof maintenance. Additionally, mold growth can also cause respiratory issues in some individuals.
Thus, take steps to ensure that the roof is at the same temperature as the external environment by insulating your home areas like the attic and walls closest to the roof. Similarly, try removing the snow manually as much as you can, in addition to these steps, to prevent ice dam formation.
Keep the Gutters Clean
It is no secret that clogged-up gutters can cause damage. When it comes to the roof, clogged-up gutters can lead to water accumulation. The water can then seep through the roofing system, reducing its strength, durability, and life span. It can also cause damage to other parts of your home.
Thus, by keeping the gutters clean, you can prevent the roof’s integrity and save the associated roof repair expenses. You can carry out the gutter cleaning process once a month. Depending upon the situation, you can do it on your own or hire a professional gutter repair expert.
Get Rid of Rust
If the roof has any metal elements, they are likely to get corroded or rusted due to environmental factors. This can lead to the loss of roof strength and can even lead to a complete roof collapse. Thus, if you notice rust or corrosion in any area, you should take immediate steps to address the issue.
The rust removal process includes:
- Wire-brushing to remove the rust accumulated.
- Applying primer
- Painting the affected areas with preferably two paint coats
This will help keep the metal parts healthy, retain their strength, and improve their lifespan.
The roof is an important part of your home but is also often the most neglected. But, we have seen that routine roof maintenance is important as it can help keep away unwanted expenses or prevent any misfortunate event from happening.