Low Budget Roof-Maintenance Tips

Repairing a house, either by yourself or with the help of a professional, may look straightforward, but maintenance and renovation of a roof is a whole new ball game. Damaged roofs can be renovated by professionals only, and if you don’t have experience in renovating roofs, you shouldn’t try it. Roof maintenance might also be the most expensive renovation you can do, but doing it every six months or so can translate into avoiding hefty costs in damages and repairs. 

Roofs are crucial elements of any house. It shields the house from the Sun, hail, ice, snow, and rain, keeping you shaded and protected from the elements of nature. Unfortunately, though, roofs are not indestructible, and if you want them to serve you for many years to come, you must spend some time and effort in maintaining them.

We’ve put together here a roof-care checklist to help you recognize the problems that can spell disaster for your roof.

Regularly clean the roof

Cleaning your roof regularly and removing damaged shingles and putting new ones in place is a valuable insurance against future damage. Doing this will ensure that the roof is damage free as well as extend its lifespan. 

Do spring and fall roof cleaning to remove the debris accumulated in winters and summers. Along with debris, clean out the moss, algae, lichen, and anything else that could damage the integrity of the roof.

Moreover, experts at the Water Damage Advisor can help you identify and fix any water damage that might be damaging to your roof. 

Wash your roof with a pressure washer that has the nozzles angled at, at least, 30 degrees downwards. If you are putting shingles on your roof, work from the top down. Avoid using detergents and bleach as these substances can corrode metal fasteners and shingle finishes. Instead, wash the roof with warm soapy water and a soft brush. 

#1. Trim the hanging branches

Roofs near tree branches can get damaged in severe weather. Cut any branches directly above your roof. As a result, the roof will be less likely to suffer damage from storms, and leaves won’t pile up on top of the roof that, if not removed early, can lead to rotting.

#2. Check Roof Shingles

Shingles are made up of individual interlocking pieces of roof coverings, attached from the bottom edge of the roof to keep the house dry. Storms and strong winds can damage the shingles, bending and ripping them off of the roof in places, which can not only damage your roof, but may cause physical harm if not attended to. Therefore, inspect the shingles every season and after every storm, to be on the safe side. Among the best roofing materials are asphalt shingles, which are relatively light, inexpensive, and easy to install.

#3. Examine the gutter guards

The gutter pipes that run alongside the roof and extend all the way to the ground ensure your house’s protection during storms and rains. Clogged, loose, detached, and broken gutters can damage the foundations of your house and lead to rot and flooding in other parts of the house. 

Ensure that all pipes and drains are properly attached to the exterior. Nothing should be loose or broken. As an alternative, gutter guards, a piece attached to the gutter, prevents leaves, branches, and other outdoor debris, from entering and clogging the gutter. 

#4. Invest in a professional roof inspection

Professional roof inspectors and contractors like Lane’s Contracting & Roofing, Inc. can help you identify lurking problems, and they might also help you with the renovation and maintenance of the roof. They can also give you rough estimates of how long the roof will last. A biannual assessment and inspection by roof experts are recommended, but a yearly assessment is the sweet spot when you can find potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. 

#5. Ensure your attic is leak-free by regularly checking it

Checking your attic for leaks regularly is the last step in roof maintenance. O’Brien Roofers in Dublin can do this work in a more efficient way. Often, water damage is not visible from the roof or the ground, but a potential leak can be noticeable from discoloration, moisture, or puddles in the attic. Any one of these signs indicates that a professional roof inspection and repair is necessary.

#6. You Need to Patch Your Chimney

Be sure to inspect your chimney for cracks and missing mortar as you run through your roof maintenance checklist. Any structural damage can cause bricks to fall, causing gaps to develop in your roof’s stability, and might lead to the chimney collapsing altogether. A contractor can repair any mortar cracks, or you can patch them yourself with a trowel. Also, in case of foundation issues causing your chimney to slope, call up an expert to have a look. 

The Takeaway

The roof is, arguably, the most important part of any home. However, it is much easier to neglect its maintenance when you have utility bills to pay and a family to feed. With the above-mentioned tips for roof maintenance, you can take care of your house’s roof and ensure that no damage comes to it.