With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy for homeowners to forget about roof maintenance. Even the toughest roofs need to be inspected at least twice a year during spring and fall. Here are a few roof maintenance tips to bear in mind when it comes to caring for your roof.

Roof Maintenance Tips - Keep Your Roof Working Properly

When it comes to caring for your roof, having a list can help ensure you inspect every aspect of your roof. You’ll want to ensure the gutters are clean, ventilation is working, and there is no debris buildup on your roof. Below are some tips to help keep your roof in top condition.

Trim Troublesome Trees

If you have trees in your yard, watch out for any leaning branches as they can scratch and gouge your roof materials. To prevent such damage, simply trim back and get rid of any branches that are too close to your roof.

Homebuyers Beware

When buying a home, be sure to start the roof assessment before closing the deal. Having your roof inspected before buying a home will save you plenty of time and money down the road. A pre-purchase inspection will also help should you decide to put your home on the market.

Get Rid of Leaves and Other Debris

In addition to branches, leaves and other debris can clog your gutters and cause water to back up into your living areas, attic and behind fascia boards. Experts recommend cleaning your roof at least twice per year to ensure your drainage system is free-flowing. You also want to look out for gutters that are sagging or damaged drain components and replace or repair them as needed.

Ensure There’s Proper Ventilation

Without proper ventilation, moisture and heat can cause roof materials to buckle, sheathing and rafting to rot and insulation to lose effectiveness. This will compromise your entire roofing system.

Include Insulation

One of the best ways to achieve good airflow and ventilation is through proper insulation. To protect your house from heat gain or loss, include a gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor, for example. You should also consider having open, vented spaces that allow air to pass freely with at least an inch between the roof sheathing and the insulation.

Check for Attic Aftermath

In addition to insulating your attic, it also helps to check for weak shingles, and water leaks and stains after a heavy storm.

Safeguard Against Streaking

Make sure you pay attention to your roof’s color. Roof areas that are exposed to shade for extended periods in humidity may become streaked with algae, mold and even fungus. If left unchecked, your roofing material will lose its structural integrity, leading to leaks and other roofing issues.

Check for Signs of Shingle Damage

Over time, exposure to everyday wear and tear from various elements can cause your shingles to become dilapidated and get torn off, making your interior space and roof structure vulnerable to rot and water seepage. As such, it’s advisable to inspect your roof coverings each year to ensure they’re structurally sound.

Bottom Line

Your roofline is a critical part of your home so you should always remember to take care of it. Take a proactive approach with yearly maintenance, and utilize these roof maintenance tips and tricks to extend your roof’s useful life and protect your home’s interior.