Every part of your home is important to its overall construction. Yet, the roof may be your home’s MVP. After all, it protects you, your family and your pets from harsh weather and other harmful elements. Plus, it helps keep your possessions and valuables safe and secure.
Although the roof is vital to your home in so many ways, you may be unintentionally neglecting its maintenance. Unfortunately, overlooking routine maintenance of your home can lead to leaks, rot, and cost repairs. If damage is severe, it may even require replacing your entire roof.
Fortunately, you can easily help avoid or minimize these issues. Just follow these simple helpful tips to help keep your roof in good condition!
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
The first simple step you can take to prevent most avoidable damage to your rook is to inspect it regularly
Now this doesn’t mean you have to climb on top of your roof and inspect every square inch up close. Instead, you should give your roof a monthly once-over from the ground. Starting in your front yard working your way completely around your house, look for any visible signs of damage, including:
- Missing, broken or buckled shingles
- Missing, broken or cracked tiles
- Damage flashing around chimneys and/or roof ridges and valleys
If you notice any of the above signs of damage, it’s vital that you address it immediately. Even small damage can lead to bigger, more serious and expensive repairs if untreated.
Helpful hint: always inspect your roof after every serious storm as heavy rains and strong winds can easily cause both minor and major damage.
Clean Your Gutters Every Season
Your home’s gutters and downspouts play a vital role in protecting your roof and foundation from water damage. When gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, branches, dirt and other debris, they won’t function properly.
Since clogged gutters and downspouts prevent water from flowing off the roof and away from your home, the water begins to seep into the roof and flood your basement or bottom floor. When this happens it can cause shingle, tile or underlayment damage which can lead to leaks and rot. If flooding occurs, it can weaken your foundation and contribute to structural damage.
To prevent these unfortunate issues from occurring, you should clean your gutters and downspouts every season. You can perform this regular maintenance on your own or hire a professional service to ensure a thorough cleaning.
In addition to cleaning your gutters and downspouts each season, you should also do so after any significant storms.
Trim Tree Branches
Trees are a wonderful complement to any home. They provide shade during warm weather and help create a more welcoming and relaxing environment. Yet, overhanging tree branches can pose a serious threat to the condition of your roof – especially during strong winds, heavy rains and powerful storms.
Branches that are long enough to reach or touch your roof may rub against shingles and tiles every time a breeze blows. Over time, this constant contact can compromise the integrity of the shingles or tiles. If the winds are strong enough, the branches can easily rip shingles and tiles right off the roof.
During major storms, a falling branch can land on your roof causing significant damage and major repairs.
Trimming overhanging branches on a regular basis can reduce the risks of this kind of damage to your roof. Plus, it may also help improve the overall appearance and health of the trees surrounding your home.
Address Minor Leaks ASAP
Despite regular maintenance, leaks may still happen due to the roof’s age or another unavoidable factor.
If you notice a leak in your roof, it’s important to address it immediately. Even a tiny leak can cause significant water damage over time, including wood rot, mold growth and even flooding. In turn, this can lead to costly repairs to your roof and other areas of your home.
If your roof begins to leak, you should call a professional roof repair contractor to take immediate action.
Trust A Local Professional Roof Repair and Renovation Contractor
While you can perform most of the minor maintenance tasks above, there are others that are best left to roofing specialists. These tasks may include professional inspections, repairing leaks, replacing missing or damaged shingles, tiles or flashing, and gutter and downspout repairs, to name a few.
If and when your roof requires any of the above services or repairs, contact the roof repair and renovation experts at Dayton Contracting!
For over 20 years, our family-owned and operated has provided the Austin community with first-rate roofing repair, replacement, and exterior renovations.
If you believe your home can benefit from our professional roofing services, please contact us today to receive a Free Estimate!
