Roofs are essential to the safety and comfort of our homes, but often get overlooked when it comes to regular maintenance. While basic maintenance practices like cleaning gutters and checking for leaks are important, there are several uncommon yet essential roof maintenance practices that homeowners should know about, and this information will help you keep your roofs in top condition for years to come.
Install Proper Ventilation: One of the most overlooked yet essential roofing practices is the installation of proper ventilation. Good ventilation is crucial to prevent damage to the structure of the roof and the attic. Proper ventilation ensures that air flows smoothly through the roof, reducing moisture, which in turn prevents the growth of mold and rot that can weaken the roof structure. Invest in roof vents and soffit vents to regulate the air flowing both in and out of the attic.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches: Trees can add beauty to your landscape, but their overhanging branches can create big problems. Not only can the branches rub against the roof, but they can also fall on your roof causing unexpected damage. Tree branches can also provide a pathway for rodents and animals to enter your home via the roof, allowing them to wreak havoc on your home's structure. Regularly trimming branches and keeping them at least several feet from your roof can significantly reduce damage and protect your roof from debris.
Install a Roof Coating: Another uncommon yet essential roof maintenance practice that can protect your roof from harmful UV rays and weather damage is to install a reflective roof coating. Reflective roof coatings help in reducing the penetration of the sun's heat into the roofs, and thus, temper the internal temperature of the house. This can reduce energy bills and protect the roof from being further damaged.
Regularly Inspect Flashing and Seals: Flashing around chimneys, vents and roof edges, and seals around vents, skylights, and pipe collars can deteriorate over time. The breakdown of these materials can cause water to seep through the roof, damaging the interior and the roofing material itself. Regularly inspecting these areas and fixing any issues as soon as possible can save you thousands in water damage.
Clean Debris and Moss buildup: Debris and moss buildup can take a toll on your roof. Debris such as leaves and twigs can clog up your gutters, causing the water to overflow. Moss and algae can eat away at your roofing materials, reducing the lifespan of your roof. Regularly cleaning debris and moss buildup can prevent damage and prolong the lifespan of your roof.
Keeping your roof in good condition is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of your home. The basics of roof maintenance such as cleaning gutters and checking for leaks are essential, but often overlooked. By using the uncommon yet essential maintenance practices discussed in this blog post, you can keep your roof in good condition for many years to come. Remember to install proper ventilation, trim overhanging tree branches, install a reflective coating, regularly inspect flashing and seals, and clean debris and moss buildup. Consider hiring a professional roofing company to help you with this maintenance. Don't neglect your roof - maintain it!
About Me
Some people work as roofers for a summer or two. Others become lifelong devotees to the profession. Those who commit to roofing as a long-time profession really take the time to learn the details. Not only do they learn how to put roofs in place, but they also learn quite a lot about various roofing materials. This equips them to make good recommendations to homeowners who are looking for the right roof. We will also make some recommendations and tell you a bit more about roofers on this blog. While we are not roofers ourselves, we know a lot about the profession and are always happy to share.