The Ultimate Guide to Roof Maintenance: Protecting Your Home Above
Roof maintenance is critical to preserving the well-being of your entire home. Without proper roof maintenance, you run the risk of encountering detrimental water damage, mold growth, structural damage, etc… in this guide, we’ll be going over the various reasons behind why roof maintenance is so important for the overall health of your home.
Why Roof Maintenance Matters
Roof maintenance matters for many reasons. Let’s explore a few of them below.
Prevent Costly Repairs
When smaller issues begin to pile up, they can transform into costly repairs. By engaging in regular roof maintenance services, you can prevent costly repairs by being proactive instead of reactive.
Extend Lifespan
A roof which is well maintained will last a lot longer than a roof which is ignored or neglected over time.
Enhance Energy Efficiency
A roof which is regularly inspected and well maintained is able to operate at a higher level of every efficiency in most cases.
Improve Curb Appeal
Your home’s roof will likely improve your home’s overall curb appeal if it’s regularly maintained and looking it best.
Regular Inspections
Regular roof inspections can be just what your roof needs to maintain its integrity.
Frequency of Roof Inspections
You should inspect your roof after each season to see if there are any signs of wear and tear.
What to Look for During a Roof inspection
Some of the most common red flags to look out for when it comes to roof inspections are damaged shingles, granule loss on said shingles, loose flashing around the chimney, vents, or skylight areas, and mold/algae.
Cleaning Your Roof
Cleaning your roof is essential to maintaining its structural integrity over time. Below are a few of the ways you can properly prevent further issues from developing.
Debris Removal
Regularly removing debris and preventing accumulation of debris is a great way to prevent further issues from developing, as accumulated debris can become quite heavy over time; resulting in damage to your roof.
Avoid Pressure Washing Your Roof
Pressure washing is often too much force for a standard shingle roof. Instead, you’ll want to clean up your roof with a gentle brush to prevent damaging the roof further if debris has settled in.
Moss and Algae Treatment
Utilizing a mixture of water and mild detergent can be great for removing moss buildup and algae buildup. The simple act of scrubbing the area with a light brush, combined with the detergent and water can do a whole lot for moss and algae removal without damaging your roof.
Gutter Maintenance
Gutter maintenance is crucial to preventing buildup over time, as leaves, branches, and other forms of debris may cause clogging and water backup. Cleaning up your gutters can be one of the best ways to prevent debris damage and water damage. Cleaning your gutters twice per year can be a great schedule for preventative maintenance.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Proactively trimming overhanging branches can prevent disaster from striking your roof. Overhanging branches can often sway and dip. When you add snow, sleet, or ice to the same overhanging branches; it can often be too much weight for the overhanging branches, leading to breakage, snapping, and subsequent damage to your roof when the branches crash onto the shingles.
Address Repairs Promptly
Addressing repairs promptly can be the difference between a stable roof and a roof which has been neglected for far too long. Proactively being aware of any problem areas and addressing them swiftly can be very beneficial for all things related to your roof’s health.
Seek Out Professional Help
If there are repairs which require more experienced help, you’ll want to reach out to us to learn more about how we’ll be able to help your roof and protect your home with our team of roofing experts.
Inspect Attic & Ventilation
Proper ventilation within the attic area is crucial to ensuring your roof and home are protected from the elements. Without a fully functioning ventilation system in the attic area, you can run the risk of developing condensation, mildew, mold, etc… This can prove to be quite the issue if not addressed promptly.
Seasonal Preparations
Preparing your roof for seasonal transitions can help prevent issues throughout the thick of winter, or the raging heat of summer.
Winter Preparations for Roof
Adding insulation to your attic can help maintain a level temperature, preventing ice dams from developing. Periodically cleaning your roof with a snow rake can prevent snow and ice accumulation.
Summer Preparations for Roof
Heat-related wear can be detrimental to your roof. Ensuring your shingles are ready for the summer heat can be the difference between a leaky summer roof issue and no issue at all.
Know When to Replace Your Roof
Knowing when to replace your roof can be an advantage in and of itself. If your roof is old and showing signs of wear and tear, you’ll likely want to replace your roof. Contact us to learn more about our roof inspection and roof replacement services.
Documentation & Planning
Keeping properly organized and well kept records of your roof maintenance will allow you to present the maintenance to a potential buyer should you sell the home to a new roofing company to see what level of work was completed.
Choose American Remodeling for Your Roof Maintenance Needs Today
American Remodeling is the right choice for your roof maintenance needs. Feel free to contact us using the button below and we’ll be sure to have your roof inspected as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you and we’re eager to begin restoring your roof to its original integrity.
