Roofing maintenance is one of the most important parts of home maintenance. The better maintained your roof is, the longer it will last and the more money you'll save in the long term. Unfortunately, most people aren't educated on what makes for good roof maintenance.
Whether you just purchased your home or you've owned it for years and want to reverse some of the neglect done to it, these are some of the most important maintenance steps to follow when owning a home.
Pay Attention to Discoloration and Distortion
Keeping an eye on your roof for any obvious changes is the most important step you can follow in the long term. Roofs change with time. As they age, they may sage, the shingles will curl or discolor, and plant life might even start to grow on them. In order to keep it from causing damage to the interior of your house, it's vital that you keep an eye on it.
The average home's roof lasts between twenty and fifty years, depending on the materials and maintenance. If you don't know how old your roof is, it's even more important to keep an eye on these signs of aging.
Leave No Leaf Behind
Removing leaves from your gutters and roof can be a stressful and exhausting job. Nobody wants to have to get on their roof, especially with how dangerous it is for the average untrained person.
Unfortunately, it's vital to remove leaves and debris in order to keep your roof healthy. If leaves build up and then freeze in the winter, this can cause a massive berg that could damage your roof, cause issues with your heating and cooling system, and even make your basement flood in the spring.
Clear the leaves every fall, even if that means having to hire a service to do it for you.
Difference Between Shake and Shingle Roofs
Shake and shingle roofs may look similar, but there's a large difference between the two of them. A shake roof that's well maintained can last well over fifty years, but unfortunately, many homeowners let it go. This means rotting cedar, clogged shake from the nearby tree debris, and so much more can cause a lot of trouble and heartache for the average homeowner. These are extremely attractive roofs, though, so it's obvious why they're still used.
Shingle roofs, on the other hand, can be made of anything from asphalt to slate and can last between twenty and over fifty years. Slate, in particular, can last over 100 years if well-maintained.
The disagreement of wood shake roofs vs. shingles only lands on an answer of personal taste and how much work you have to put in.
Get High-Quality Gutters and Guards
Gutters and gutter guards can do wonders for your home! Gutters guide water away from your home so you don't risk your foundation or flooding. The guards stop them from getting clogged with leaves and debris, which is also fantastic for the health of your roof.
Getting low-quality gutters and guards, or having them improperly installed, can result in massive damage to your roof and can lead to costly repairs.
Avoid Mishaps With Power Washers
As a general rule, when you're deep cleaning the exterior of your home, avoid one of the most common mistakes new homeowners make. Don't spray up against your roof with a power washer, and don't spray against your siding. This can ruin these areas of your property and cost a lot of money to repair.
Watch Snow For Health Hints
Although it doesn't snow in every city, this beautiful seasonal weather can point out a roof that needs repair or a home that needs more insulation. When your roof has a thin layer of snow on it, look at what pattern it melts in.
If it simply melts along with where the sunlight touches it, you have a good roof and good insulation. If it melts in the center and leaves the edges frozen without any sunlight touching it, the heat escapes your roof. This could damage it and the interior of your home if not repaired.
Pay Attention to the Details
Everything from the frieze board that will protect it from water damage to what company installs your roof needs to be considered. Planning ahead and working to pick the perfect roof and installation for yourself will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Check reviews, and consider interviewing a couple of different companies before you make your choice. Although it can feel easy to go for the lowest cost or the fastest installation, neither of these is a sign of what quality they offer.
Your Roof Needs Maintenance to Thrive
In order to be structurally sound, strong, and reliable, your home needs a roof that's able to handle anything thrown at it. Take the time to pick the right materials, put in the work to keep it maintained, and watch your roof last for as long as possible.
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
