Keeping your roof in good condition can be a difficult task, but one that is well worth the effort. Just like your lawn, your AC system, or your car, your roof needs routine care to stay strong! A well-maintained roof lasts longer, protects your home better, and needs fewer repairs during its lifetime.
Without proper attention, roofing problems can pile up, requiring expensive and extensive repairs or even a new roof replacement. But luckily, there are several things that you can do to make sure that you get the best results and longest lifespan out of your roofing.
Let’s take a look at the top five ways that you can take care of your home’s roofing system!
Trim Branches Near Your Home
Trimming the trees lurking near your rooftop is one of the best ways to prevent disaster at your home, and it is especially important in Florida because we have so much wind and rain all year! Every season (including hurricane season) you should take a look at your trees to make sure that the branches are not getting too close to your roof. Even small branches can can cause major damage during a storm if they fall directly on your house.
Be sure to keep in mind that you should never try to trim branches yourself if your home is over one story tall. Instead, hire a professional tree service to take care of your trees!
Inspect Your Roof Routinely
You should inspect your shingles or metal panels every season. Why? You’ll be more likely to catch lifting shingles, sun damage, missing parts, and sagging gutters before they need major repairs.
Do a quick evaluation of your roof after major storms as well. Hail, blowing branches, and debris can create leaks and remove shingles. Walk around the outside of your home and check for large branches that may have fallen on your roof and double-check the ceiling for signs of water damage.
Clean Your Gutters
Keeping your gutters clean is essential not just for the health of your roof, but also for the overall health and well-being of your family and home. Dirty gutters can lead to mildew growth, damage to siding on the exterior of your home, and water damage. Always use proper safety precautions when cleaning your gutters, including thick gloves and a sturdy ladder.
Curious about cleaning gutters and what to look out for? Check out our comprehensive guide to cleaning gutters!
Check Your Insulation and Search For Leaks
Proper insulation helps to keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If your insulation is old or missing, it can cause heat damage, mold problems, and higher cooling costs in the summer. Periodically check your attic’s insulation for signs of deterioration, rodent activity, mold growth, and heat damage.
While you’re up there, you should also take a peek around for any indications of leaking. Discoloration, puddling, and moisture damage can show up in the attic before you see signs on the ceiling or rooftop.
Remove Debris, Leaves, and Branches
While this is one of the most basic tips on our list, it may also be one of the most important. Just like your gutters and insulation, removing debris from your roof helps to prevent mold, mildew, rodent problems, and leaking. If you ignore branches and leaves piling up, the debris will end up in your gutter or worse – lead to moss, algae, and mildew eating away at your rooftop. Not only will this stain your roof, it will also cause damage over time.
Need Help? Call a Professional!
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to roofing. If you’re not confident that you can do the job, don’t hesitate to call a professional team of roofers like Pro’s Choice Roofing! Whether you need routine maintenance services or an inspection, our expert roofers are here for you. From gutter cleaning to leak repair, we can provide full-service maintenance for your Florida home!
