All too often, roofs stay out of sight and out of mind for Texas homeowners. But if you want to get the most out of your roof, it pays to take great care of it. Wondering what that entails? Below, you’ll learn our top roof maintenance tips to help your roofing system live its best life.
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Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Homeowners commonly go years between roof inspections, and some never bother to schedule one at all. Both are big mistakes that can come back to bite you. Without regular inspections, it’s impossible to know the condition of your roof.
You can perform a basic inspection to check for damage yourself if you’re comfortable climbing on the roof. However, you should ideally leave roof inspection in the hands of an expert, such as our contractors at Texas Roofers.
It’s best to schedule a roof inspection once per year. During the inspection, contractors will study your roof from its peak to the gutters to look for problems like missing shingles, cracks in flashing, and leaks. If they find damage, they’ll talk to you about your options for repair or replacement.
Perform Flashing and Sealant Checks
If you were to climb on your roof, you’d see a barrier of sorts around your chimney (and skylights, if your home has them). This is flashing, a waterproofing material designed to stop moisture from seeping into the roof.
Over time, flashing can become loose and damaged, allowing water to seep into your home. Flashing, like asphalt shingle roofs, generally needs replacement after 30 years. But if your flashing is damaged, it’ll need replacing sooner.
Trim Low-Hanging Branches
Mature trees add plenty of value and beauty to your property, but they need regular maintenance just like your roof does. Allow those trees to become overgrown, and branches can rub against the roof, damaging its shingles. Additionally, weak, dead branches can break and fall on your roof during bad weather.
That’s why trimming overhanging branches is a must and one of our most effective roof maintenance tips. If you’re not comfortable pruning your trees, hire a tree service company to do it for you.
Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
If you’d rather watch paint dry than clean your gutters, you’re not alone. But gutter maintenance, although boring, is an important part of caring for your roof.
Neglected gutters can fill up with dirt, leaves, twigs, and even plant growth, severely impacting drainage. This can allow moisture to seep into roof decking and under your shingles, enabling mold to grow and compromising the roof’s structural integrity.
One of the best roof maintenance tips is to clean your gutters at least once a year, or every two to three months if your property has trees that overhang the roof.
Give Your Roof a Thorough Cleaning
Your roof needs regular cleaning, just like the rest of your home. Cleaning removes debris, such as wet leaves, that can lead to mold growth and damage. It’s a must for moss and algae prevention.
To clean your roof, use a broom or leaf blower to remove loose debris, then follow up by rinsing the roof with a garden hose. For stubborn debris, use a bristle brush and gentle cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage your roof.
If you’re not comfortable climbing on the roof to clean it, you can hire a roof-cleaning company, which usually runs anywhere from $300-$600.
Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation
Does your attic have good ventilation? If not, heat can build up inside your home during the summer, which puts added strain on the roof. And during the winter, ice dams can form, which could cause your roof to collapse.
If your attic feels hot and stuffy, that’s a sign that it needs better ventilation. Consider installing soffit, gable, or ridge vents. Already have good ventilation? Inspect your vents for debris and clean them regularly to prevent blockages.
Don’t forget about insulation. Proper insulation regulates the temperature in your attic, which not only keeps your home comfortable but also reduces wear and tear on the roof.
Schedule Roof Inspection or Repair Today
Now that you’ve learned our best roof maintenance tips, are you ready to schedule a roof inspection from our pros? We offer complete inspections to check for leaks, missing shingles, damaged flashing, and more. If we find any damage, we also offer roof repairs and replacements.
Reach out to Texas Roofers at (877) 977-0277 or keep reading to learn about common roof replacement signs.
