Regardless of the roofing materials you use for your home. You need to take extra care of your roof from time to time to ensure it serves you for a long time. Roofs are generally exposed to severe weather elements and can lose their integrity over time. However, with the necessary sets in place, you can ensure your roof is able to stand strong for ages to come. You can only achieve this through a routine maintenance to keep your roof in shape. Some of the maintenance jobs you can actually do on your own, while others may need professional help.
Without the necessary background in construction, specifically roofing, you may need to hire the services of a professional roofing company. The company of your choice can either do the work for you or give you a few key pointers on the best tips to maintain your roof. For example if you live in Edinburgh, there is always tips to choosing Edinburgh Roofers that can serve your roofing needs round the clock. Before consulting with a roofing company, here are a few tips you can consider to maintain your roof.
Roof Maintenance
Trim overhanging branches
If your house is built next to a tree, you need to keep a keen watch over the tree. Taking precaution by trimming overhanging branches from the tree can go a long way in giving you peace of mind in the event of a strong storm. Some people may even opt to get rid of the entire tree if it poses a danger to the safety of the house. Getting rid of these branches can also help with reducing the possibilities of moss growth on your roof or leaves falling on your roof.
Overhanging branches during strong winds can also cause damage to the shingles when they come into contact. These branches also act as a bridge for outdoor animals such as squirrels and rodents. These animals could gnaw on sections of the roof, causing damage to the roof. Despite trimming branches looking like an easy job, it would be wise to get a professional to handle this to avoid further damage to your roof.
Prevent ice dams
During the cold season, snow on the roof could cause a build-up of ice resulting in either leaks or damage to the roofing materials. To prevent this ice build-up, frequently remove the snow from your roof, including at night. We advise against trying to pry off the ice that has formed, as this can cause damage to your roof. To get rid of the snow, use a roof rake to remove the snow within four feet of the gutters. For safety purposes, using a telescoping pole can help you work from the ground. Ladders are great, but you risk being pushed over by the snow you’re raking.
As a preventive measure against the ice dams, you need to ensure your roof has a good insulation system. You also need to check for any air leaks in the attic to help with temperature regulation.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause a series of damage to your home, some of which include damage to the wall paint and even a wet basement. However, one thing people overlook is the roof. When leaves and dirt pile up in the gutter, water can overflow upwards during a storm causing damage to the roof, especially for people using wooden shingles. The water retained by the pile of leaves and dirt can also get into the roof sheathing, causing rot.
Prevention has always been better than cure. Leaving this pile up to continue for long could cause you to spend more on repairs or replacement of certain roof sections. Regularly clean your gutters, especially during spring and fall. You can spare some time of your schedule over the weekends to clean the gutters, or you can hire someone to clean it for you for a small pay depending on the size of the house.
Remove leaves
People living in an area with a lot of trees, especially tall ones, are bound to have to deal with a lot of leaves from their roofs. These leaves usually collect near the chimney and roof valley, with some piling up in the gutter. Over time if left unchecked, these leaves can trap moisture and decompose. When leaves decompose, they create a conducive environment for other plants and algae to grow on the roof. When these plants take root, they can significantly damage your roof leading to either replacement or an entire re-roofing. These leaves can also trap moisture that could cause rot on your roof.
There are several types of ways you can get the leaves off your roof without damaging your roof. The first one is using a leaf blower. This machine works effectively when getting rid of dry leaves. However, you have to get on the roof to get every leaf. You can attach a car brush to a long pole and pull the leaves down. A roof leaf rake can also work well to get rid of the leaves on your roof. For wet leaves, it is recommended to use a garden hose to wash them off. You need to be as gentle as possible to prevent water from getting under the roofing material.
Scrap off the moss
Over time your roof may begin to grow algae, moss, fungi and other plants. This feature is common in houses towards the North. This problem majorly affects roofs made from composition shingles or wooden roofing materials. This growth can easily trap water that in turn causes a lot of damage to the roof. When discovered early, you can just sweep them off. However, if you find the algae or moss have spread widely across the roof, you may have to consult an expert on the best way to get rid of them.
Any Northern Kentucky roofing company is well equipped to handle this problem for you. They can recommend the use of products with potassium salts to wash off the moss. To prevent any regrowth, you can have them install zinc strips on your roof, which are installed near the top of the roof.
Maintaining your roof does not end with cleaning or even doing repairs. You also need to keep an eye out for any damages to your roof, especially after a storm. Check if there is any damage to the roofing material and make plans to repair or replace it before the problem grows.
