Taking good care of your roof is important because it will ensure it last long and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on repairs. Many of the repairs done on roofs are usually avoidable, but many people don’t do anything because of one reason or another. Homeowners who inspect their roofing for any problems tend to spend less on repairs. The good thing is the fact that the inspection will only take a couple of minutes. Proper maintenance of the roof is key, but many people don’t know how to do. Here are some of the things a homeowner needs to know when taking care of their roofing.
Look up
This is one of the most important things to do because it will give you the chance to notice a problem before it becomes serious. Regular inspection will help in ensuring the roof is in the best possible condition and there is no damage. You should try to do the inspection at least twice a year, one in fall and the other in spring. Doing it more often is better, but you will still be able to see great results even if you do it twice. There are some areas that have been shown to be more prone to damage than others. Some problem areas you should be looking for include; damaged drip edge, lifting or missing shingles, missing or exposed fasteners, bucking, lose or missing flashing, piles of granules, and sagging or broken gutters. Once you identify a problem, call the roofing expert so he can come and take care of it.
Clean the gutters
You should make an effort of having your gutter cleaned at least twice a year. You should also consider having it done before a big storm so that the water cannot back up and cause the fascia to rot. Clogging of the gutter will lead to roof damage and you will end up having to spend a lot of money on repairs or even having the entire roof replaced.
Look for moss and algae
There are times when moss and algae will grow in your roof, but you don’t have to worry about the problem because it can be easily fixed. You can prevent this from happening by removing debris, ensuring the attic is properly ventilated, and trimming overhanging branches. You can call an expert to help you out in case you notice any moss or algae in your roofing.
Avoid walking on the roof
The roof was not made to be walked on and doing so will cause damage to shingles or tiles because of your weight. There are times when it might be necessary to walk on your roof, but you should try your best to minimize. There are many other options such as using a ladder or even calling up a professional. You might be thinking you are not causing any damage because you are walking on areas that are strong, but this is not always the case.
Always pay attention to the warning signs
There are always some warning signs that will come before it becomes a big problem. It is important to look out for this sign so you can have the problem fixed as soon as possible. In many occasions, it will be much easier and cheaper to have it fixed at this stage. The longer you wait to fix the problems, then the more you can expect to spend. Failing to fix the problems can also pose a risk to you and your family. There are cases of roofs collapsing because they were not properly maintained or repaired.
Inspect and repair joints, seals, and flashing
There are some spots that have been known to be common when it comes to leaks, and you should have them regularly inspected for any damage. Flashing usually covers the entry points to your roofing and they include exhaust pipes, vents, and chimney, and it is a hotspot for leaks. You should look out for any bending or punctures, or loose or dried out sealant. It can be easy to dismiss this problem, but it can have a lot of impact on the integrity of your roofing. You don’t need any special skills to do this.
Repair small leaks quickly
Repairing small leaks is not as hard as it might seem. You should try doing it as soon as you notice it. Always remember roof leaks will always get worse with time. The longer the time, the worse the leak. Repairing it while still small will prevent it from becoming a big problem.
Trim trees
Trees are great for landscaping purposes, but there are times when they can cost you a lot of money. This is why you need to be careful when it comes to trees that are close to the roof. The leaning branches from the truth can easily gouge and scratch the roofing material. There is no need to have branches that can puncture and damage your shingles. Just have them trimmed back and remove any branches that are close to the roof. You can do this on your own or you can get the services of a tree specialist.
DIY roof repairers
It might sometimes be tempting to try to do the repairs on your own, but it is not a good idea when you don’t have any experience. You will be putting yourself in a lot of risks and you can easily end up with a lot of damages. You should call armorservices.com. You should implement safety measure if you decide to do so. Ensure you wear rubber-soled shoes when walking on the roof so you don’t slip. Your safety should always come first. There is no need to spend a lot of money on medical bills while trying to save a couple of dollars on your roofing.
Homeowners need to take good care of their roofing because it will help them spend less in the long run. You will be able to save on the costs of repairs, and your roof will last longer.