With the end of the year fast approaching, it can be a good time to take stock of any upkeep you may need to complete on your house. While homeownership can be a joyful aspect of your life, it is not without its costs. It can feel a bit overwhelming to think about what repairs or prevention you should complete to keep your house in order, but prevention will save you headaches in the long run. One of the often-neglected areas of house upkeep is the roof. Keep reading below to see our 5 essential tips for roof maintenance!
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Keeping your gutters clean is a simple step to prevent damage to the edge of your roof. When debris builds up in the gutters, it can create pressure and a weak point in the gutter itself. Throw in some water, ice, or snow, building up behind the debris, and you can end up with tension on shingles and the gutters. You can have a professional clean your gutters, but you can also do it yourself without too much trouble.
Trim Low-Hanging Branches Around Your Roof, and Inspect Your Roof
Similar to the point above, keeping any brush or tree branches away from your roof and gutter will prevent any debris from falling and accumulating over the year. If you can’t check around your roof regularly, at least check it before and after storms, snow, and other weather events. Keeping debris from building up is one of the best steps you can take for your roof maintenance.
While you’re up there, also inspect your roof shingles. Normal wear and tear occurs throughout the year from weather and sun. Sometimes, moisture can still get into one or two loose shingles. In that case, all you need to do (if you catch it early enough) is replace those shingles where the issue is present.
At least semi-regular inspections can alert you of issues early, before they can become more serious problems. While you’re at it, check the inside of your roof, too. Detecting moisture or leaks in your attic and crawlspace can prevent the need for a full roof replacement.
Replace Caulk as Needed
Depending on the type of home you have, your roof likely has a chimney or vent pipes. Around the chimney and pipes there is caulking to prevent moisture from seeping into the cracks. Just like any other part of your roof, this caulking can wear out over the lifespan of a roof. Regular checks can pick up on any of the caulk wearing out. Simply scape the old caulk away and replace it.
Treat for Moss, Lichen, and Algae
If you can, treat your roof for growths like moss annually. If, in your (fairly regular) inspections, you detect any spots of moss, lichen, or algae, don’t wait. Treat it right away!
Call in the Professionals
As with so many home repair issues, sometimes you just need a qualified professional to come out and take care of your roof maintenance for you. If so, don’t wait! The problem won’t solve itself. With your roof maintenance on point, you can focus on other aspects of your life, and breathe a little easier.
