7 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Roof

Your roof is an important part of your home because it protects you from rain, snow, and other elements. Whether your roof is new or a decade old, it needs to be maintained properly. If you neglect to take care of your roof, you may have to replace it sooner than you would like.

The average cost of a new roof is $7,083, so you definitely want to keep your current one around as long as possible. Here are seven ways to maintain a healthy roof.

1. Clean the Gutters

Cleaning your roof gutters is not the most fun job, but it is a necessary one. If you do not remove leaves and other debris from the gutters, rainwater can flow inside your house and cause significant damage.

Dirty gutters can also attract rats and others pests. It’s a good idea to clean your gutters in the fall and the spring. Cleaning gutters can be dangerous, so you might want to hire a professional to do the job. A professional can remove debris from your gutters and check for damage in an efficient matter.

2. Trim Overhanging Branches

If there are trees near your home, it’s important to trim the overhanging branches regularly. Otherwise, these branches can fall on top of your roof during heavy storms and damage the shingles. Squirrels and other rodents will also have easy access to your roof through these branches. Tree trimming is a tough job, so it may be best to have a professional do it.

3. Don’t Ignore Moss

Moss can cause your roof to deteriorate over time. If you see moss growing on your roof, you should remove it as soon as possible. Just apply a commercial cleaner to the moss and use a long-handled scrub brush to remove it.

Avoid using a pressure washer to remove moss, as it can damage the shingles. If you notice that there’s a consistent problem with moss growth on your roof, consider installing zinc strips to both sides of your roof.

4. Add Insulation to Your Attic

If your attic does not already have good insulation, you should give some serious consideration to installing it. Insulation might seem like a pretty big investment right now, but it can help your roof last much longer. It will keep the inside of your home at a stable temperature, keeping water vapor from accumulating on your roof.

5. Inspect Your Roof Regularly

Even if your roof is brand new, you should still inspect it for issues on a regular basis. Make an effort to check out your roof a few times a week and keep an eye out for problems, like cracked or missing shingles, detached gutters, and cracks on the roof. If you detect any issues, you should have an experienced roofing contractor come look at your roof right away.

6. Control Ice Dams

Ice dams can form on your roof during the winter and cause serious damage. One of the simplest ways to prevent ice dams is to remove snow with a snow rake from your roof as soon as possible. If you see ice on your roof, you can melt it with calcium chloride.

7. Look Out for Leaks

It’s a wise idea to check for leaks periodically, especially after storms. If you detect leaks, it’s important to call a roofing professional as soon as possible. If you don’t take care of these leaks immediately, they can cause some major problems.

Maintaining a roof takes work, but it is worth the effort. If you have any questions about proper roof maintenance, you should contact Burke’s Roofing.