Roofing Tips for Homeowners
According to research, at least 64% of Americans own real estate, and homeownership rates have increased by 65% since the 1940s in the US. This means that more and more people are recognizing the benefits of owning their own homes. Owning a home is one of the most significant investments anyone can ever make in their lives, and maintaining your home should be your number one priority. The roof, in particular, should take precedence because if left unattended, a faulty rooftop could lead to big problems in the future. To avoid unnecessary repairs and replacements, maintain it constantly by cleaning, removing debris, and even replacing any areas that may have damage. Roof maintenance doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think. You could use a professional or do this part yourself. Armed with the below easy-to-follow roofing tips for homeowners, you won’t have to take too much time out of your busy schedule to ensure that your roof is in the best condition possible.
How To Maintain Your Roof
Routine maintenance on your roof is one of the biggest roofing tips we have for homeowners.
Roofs can last for decades, but their lifespan depends on how you properly care for them. Regardless of the type of roof you have, there are several areas that you need to take care of to maintain your roof, such as; the paint, gutters, and more.
Here are a few roof maintenance tips:
Clearing Your Gutters
You should clear your gutters to keep them free of debris. Blocked gutters can cause rainwater to accumulate on the roof, eventually leading to rust and rot. Therefore, it is essential to clean your gutters, preferably once every season, routinely, to avoid structural damage.
However, during the fall season, you should clean your gutters at least twice, especially if you live in an area surrounded by trees.
Trim Trees Found Near The Roof
It is best to trim all overlying branches found near your roof. Low-hanging components can cause significant damage, especially during storms, since they can fall on the roof. Additionally, they can scrap your shingles repeatedly and scratch away your roof’s outer protective layer.
To avoid severe damage to the tree itself, remove only low-hanging branches found within six feet of your roof.
Inspect Your Shingles Every Season
You should regularly inspect your shingles to check for any signs of damage. Damaged shingles cannot protect your roof against moisture, and you should always look for signs of damage or excessive wear and tear.
If you see any cracks, leaks, or broken shingles, you can contact a roofing company to do a replacement.
Regularly Check For Moss
The presence of moss on your roof can be hazardous as it grows and spreads, causing your shingles to lift. You should regularly check for moss or lichen growth on your roof to prevent this.
The hot seasons are awful for moss and algae, as they are known to grow under shady areas of your roof. When caught early, you can scrub and scrape them away, and once dry, you can apply preventative products that contain copper and zinc.
Remove Icicles And Ice Dams
If you’re experiencing winter or live in an area with constant snowstorms, you should remove icicles and ice dams that form on your roof. Leaving them unattended can cause your gutters to get loose due to excessive weight.
Check Your Attic’s Ventilation
Most people don’t realize that the ventilation in your attic plays a crucial part in your roofing system. Lack of proper ventilation leads to heat damage during summer. During winter, snow and ice accumulation will begin melting at the lowest layer, causing the water to refreeze around the shingles.
To check whether your attic is adequately ventilated, check for the formation of mold or ice dams.
Why Should You Maintain Your Roof Regularly?
Roofs are considered the most overlooked home structures, and people pay attention only when damaged. However, like any other part of your house, the top needs regular maintenance. Here are a few reasons why regular roof maintenance is considered necessary:
It Extends Your Roof’s Lifespan
Roofs are known to last long, but when maintained regularly, they can last even longer. Timely roof maintenance can help prolong the life span of your roof. This, in turn, minimizes future or unexpected costs caused by roof damage, such as repairs and new roof installations.
It Keeps Your Family Safe
A roof stands between you and your family and harsh weather. It is essential to properly maintain your roof to protect your family from dangers such as falling tree branches, Colorado weather events, or excess moisture, which can lead to the accumulation of mold that can cause serious health concerns.
Helps Maintain Your Home’s Aesthetic Value
Not only does a well-maintained roof look better, but it also helps boost your home’s value. When you decide to sell your house, a well-maintained roof makes your house more valuable as a buyer can trust its protective ability and quality.
On the other hand, allowing roof damage to thrive for a long time will cause structural damage to your property, lowering its value.
Professional Maintenance vs. DIY Maintenance
Choosing between professional or DIY maintenance depends on you. However, you must determine which tasks you can do yourself and which ones you must leave to the professionals.
Opting to have a professional roofing company do your inspection, repair and maintenance is preferred as roofing professionals can adequately assess your roof’s condition and repair or maintain it using state-of-the-art products that will ensure its longevity.
If you decide to do your own maintenance, you should have the proper equipment, such as ladders, paints, etc., and safety gear.
B&M Roofing For All Your Roofing Tips And Needs
B&M Roofing is a dedicated roofing company in Colorado, offering expert care and services to commercial and residential products. Whether you are looking for a new roof for your office or home, or if you are trying to decide whether you need a new roof, we are equipped to handle any roofing job, and with our extensive roofing knowledge, you are assured of the best.
We handle the following industries:
- Commercial
- Residential
- Architectural Sheet Metal
- Quality Roofing Service And Repair
- Emergency Roof Repair
Please, contact us today for these and more services that we offer – even if it’s just more roofing tips for homeowners like you!