Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you and your home from the elements. Hail, storms, wind, and natural aging will cause wear and tear on your roof. To keep you roof in working order and in good shape, you need to perform regular maintenance and safety checks.
By performing regular roofing maintenance, homeowners can save thousands of dollars in costly repairs. Most homeowners will end up replacing their roof one to two times in their lives.
Here are 3 roof maintenance tips.
Check Shingles
Shingles are a major part in your roof and help keep the rest of your roof dry, and can be made out of wood, slate, clay, or most commonly asphalt. The occasional missing shingle is not a big deal, but can turn into a more serious problem later.
Shingles are mainly damaged by trees and debris. Asphalt shingles contain glass pellets that reflect the sun’s radiation, and when those are removed leave the underside of your roof open to damage from weather, trees, sun exposure, and water. A good way to check for missing shingles is check for pieces of them near downspouts. You can also check for missing shingles by carefully climbing onto your roof. When in doubt, hire a professional.
The best way to keep shingles in good shape is to trim back trees near your roof and keep it clear from debris and leaves.
Check for Leaks
A major leak is obvious, but a smaller one can lead to larger problems fast. Leaks can get inside walls and other parts of your home and cause mold and other damage. Poor quality shingles and faulty install are the main causes of roof leaks. A small leak can completely destroy a home if left unchecked. A good way to check for leaks is to shine a flashlight around your attic during a rainstorm.
Make sure the soffit is functioning
The soffit is the board on the underside of the roof eave bridges the gap between a home’s siding and the outer edge of the roof. Made out of wood, vinyl, or metal, the soffit helps with attic ventilation.This helps keep the roof cool. Heat will cause shingles to buckle and break. Soffits can be damaged by raccoons and squirrels if they nest in the area. Signs of soffit damage include rotting wood, gaps, and leaks.
By regularly performing roof checks and taking care of products in a timely manner when they occur, you can keep your roof in great shape. If you need assistance or a roof inspection, give us a call today!
Source: Angie’s List
