Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity of any roof. According to Wade Architectural Systems (www.wadearch.com), whether your home has a flat, concrete roof or a sloping, shingled one, you might do a variety of things to keep it in good shape. Some maintenance jobs probably should be done only by a professional. However, if you have the desire to do much of the upkeep yourself, you may wish to explore a few tips and tricks.
Make Safety Your Top Priority
When you’re doing any kind of maintenance or repair job around your home, safety should always be your top priority. A small slip or misstep can quickly result in a disaster, so be sure to take every precaution you can when you’re on the roof. Arrange to have someone hold your ladder when you need to be on the roof. This is also a wise strategy because the person holding the ladder can help or summon help if you experience trouble while you’re up there. Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles, and wear gloves to protect your hands. Using safety goggles is another precaution that could ultimately help you to avoid a fall.
Keep the Gutters Clean
One way to prevent damage to your roof is to keep the gutters clean. If wet leaves and other debris accumulate in the gutters, such materials can erode the surface of your roof. Eventually, this buildup can result in the need for major roof repairs, so implementing preventative maintenance on your gutters is advisable.
Keep the Roof Clean
In the same way that wet leaves piling up in the gutters can rot the surface edges of your roof, wet items on the rest of the roof can also cause damage. Be sure to keep the roof free of leaves and other debris. You don’t need to walk on the roof to do this; you might climb a step ladder and clear the debris with a long-handled rake or push broom.
While you’re removing the leaves from your roof, you should also check to see if moss is growing on it. Moss traps moisture on the roof surface, so it needs to be removed. You can either apply a spray solution of bleach and water to kill the moss, or you can remove it with a small brush that has stiff bristles. You might even find such a brush in the form of an attachment for a long-handled pole.
Trim the Tree Limbs Near Your Roof
One of the best ways to protect your roof from being damaged is to trim the trees that grow along its perimeter. When limbs grow heavy, a powerful storm can cause them to break and fall on your roof. You could avoid some hefty repair bills by getting such branches trimmed on a regular basis.
Inspect the Roof for Damage
Sometimes, you cannot prevent problems from occurring. However, according to Wade Architectural Systems (www.wadearch.com), if you perform a semiannual or annual inspection, you might help to prevent small problems from manifesting into big ones. When you examine your roof, you will want to look for loose or damaged shingles, as well as rusty areas on the flashing. You should also check for accumulated granules in your gutters – this can be a sign of worn shingles. If you see any damage, or if you are uncertain about the existence of potential problems, you might want to hire a professional to perform a more thorough inspection.
If you take good care of your roof, it should last for many years. By keeping the roof and gutters clean, you may be able to prevent erosion and other damage. Routine inspections are another way you can keep your roof in good shape. Regular inspections and maintenance should ensure that your roof remains in the best condition possible, and this will help you and your family make the most of your household budget.
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