Secrets To Maintaining A Healthy Roof
Your roof provides you and your belongings with protection they need from the elements. As such, a roof can take a beating throughout each of the seasons. During the winter, snow, ice, and sleet can cause roofing damage. In the spring and fall, gutters can become clogged, which can cause flooding issues. It is of paramount importance that your roof remain in outstanding condition. these tips will help you do just that!
Sound Structure
First and foremost, inspect your roof for any structural damage. At least once a year, get onto your roof and give it a thorough examination. Be mindful of any shingles that may be missing, buckling, or cracking. Those should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage down the line. Also check for any growth on your roof, such as moss or mold. These could eventually eat through your roof and create a hole, which can cause leaks. Clean away mold and mildew straight away to prevent issues.
Fix-a-Flue
If your home has a fireplace and chimney, these areas should also be examined when you check your roof. Look for problems like holes in the flashing around your chimney, vents, or exhaust pipes, as this can pose a problem with functionality. Loose caulk can also be an issue, and ultimately make your home less energy efficient.
Inside Inspection
The most important area to check for damage is the underside of your roof, or the part that is exposed in your attic. Look for any light shining through cracks and dampness the around corners and edges of your attic or crawl space. If you notice any of these issues, have them replaced immediately to prevent having to have your entire roof replaced. Also, consider applying a LO/MIT radiant heat barrier coating to the underside of your roof to cool your attic, which can help lower utility costs.
Pesky Pests
Birds are beautiful, but they cause some of the biggest problems for homeowners. Their nests can clog and destroy your gutters, which can cause major roofing issues. In addition, bird droppings are extremely acidic and can eat away at your roofing material, causing holes. Check your gutters frequently for nests and other types of debris, like dirt and leaves, that can cause buildup. If you notice a lot of bird droppings on your roof, use a scrub brush and hose to remove it.
Snow Troubles
If you live in a region where it snows during the winter months, keep your roof as clear as possible when accumulation occurs. Ice buildup can cause ice dams, which can cause major problems to the interior of your home, like buckling walls, ceiling leaks, and peeling paint. In general, a good roof will be able to stand up to the winter weather, but taking extra precautions will help prevent problems. Use a brush or snow blower to remove excess snow buildup. If you are in an area that gets a lot of snow, you can install heated strips that run along the length of your roof and melt the snow as it falls.
By checking regularly for these problems, you’ll be able to stop major issues right in their tracks. A Grade Texas recommends inspecting your roof twice a year – as the fall weather rolls around, and again in the spring to ensure your roof withstood the cold winter months.
