Roofs don’t last forever. We like to think that they will and, therefore, never have to worry about potential roof repair or roof replacement services. The truth, however, is that they can degrade due to the pressure of environmental conditions and long-term wear. Eventually, you’re going to have to deal with some sort of repair or even a full replacement. You can avoid this for as long as possible by following these roof tips to keep it in better condition.
10 Roof Tips To Protect Your Roof For Longer
1) Inspect your shingles and tiles.
We’ll talk a little more about bringing in expert help for roof inspections in a moment. However, while those professional services are essential, you still need to take the time to look at your roof as well. Be honest here. When was the last time you really took a good look up there, and would you know that something had come loose unless you got the ladder out and took a closer look? As long as you are careful when using the ladder, you can get a better view of the roof’s integrity and any potential weak points.
2) Don’t let anyone walk on the roof.
Close inspections are fine when they are carried out with the right safety equipment and the right attitude. This means you can’t start walking around on the roof for a better look at what’s going on. For a start, doing so would be irresponsible and increase the risk of injuries from falls. Second, you could do a lot more harm to the shingles and tiles underfoot, making the exercise counterproductive.
3) Clean the tiles
You can’t start climbing around on the roof tiles without good reason and putting excessive pressure on them. Still, that doesn’t mean you should leave them alone, either. There’s a good chance that if you haven’t been up there in a while, those tiles will be covered in some degree of moss and algae. These natural materials are a problem for two reasons. Many homeowners understandably dislike having moss on the roof because of the aesthetics. The other issue is the structural damage and weak points created by this growth. Find an eco-friendly and safe way to remove it.
4) Clean the gutters
While you or a more capable associate are up that ladder dealing with the moss and algae, you might as well work on cleaning out the gutters. The state of your gutters can have a serious knock-on effect on the health of your roof. Rainwater should flow down the roof and away from the tiles through the pipe work. This stops you from incurring any unnecessary water damage to your roof. Failure to do this could mean you need an expert Marietta roof replacement team sooner than you’d like.
5) Pay attention to any snow loads
Water damage can be catastrophic when trying to prolong the life of a roof. This isn’t necessarily going to come from heavy rain and water pooling due to clogged gutters. Marietta doesn’t get a lot of snow, and you may only see a few inches settling on your roof, but it still pays to deal with that snow as soon as possible. Heavy snow loads can put pressure on tiles and shingles, and melt water can seep through gaps into your rafters.
6) Strap the roof down when necessary
Hurricane season is also no joke on the East Coast, and there is the risk that homes in Marrieta could experience damage during severe storms. One way to protect the roof in high winds is to invest in some hurricane straps. These metal ties attach to the rafters to add more security. You might think that it’s an expensive and worthless precaution if you’ve never dealt with a hurricane before. However, if you don’t, you may find yourself in need of expert roof replacement services instead.
7) Invest in better insulation
Protecting your roof doesn’t just mean looking at it from the outside. You can also make a difference by protecting it from the inside. The first step is to invest in some better insulation. Insulated attic spaces are highly cost-effective solutions for managing heat loss and energy efficiency. You’ll end up with less condensation, which means less mold that could affect your roof’s rafter and encourage further decay.
8) Add better ventilation
It’s a similar story with your roof’s ventilation. A good flow of air can also help with temperature regulation to minimize the risks mentioned above. Setting up ventilation with an attic fan shouldn’t be too difficult with a professional installation service.
9) Maintain surrounding trees
It isn’t just the bad weather itself that can cause damage to a weakened roof. High winds in bad storms can send debris crashing onto the roof, allowing for some sizable holes and further water damage. One of the worst culprits here is falling limbs from trees. Once one of those large pieces of timber snaps off, you’ll soon know about it. So, regular care to trim trees close to the property can go a long way toward protecting your roof.
10) Schedule regular professional inspections
Personal inspections are a good start because you can get an idea of what’s going on on your roof. However, it’s far more effective to bring in the experts. They will spot issues you might miss, allowing you to schedule repairs and prolong the need for full roof replacement services.
Because regular maintenance and repairs go a long way in protecting your roof, it pays to work with a skilling roofing company for the best results. These expert teams will be able to spot problems far more easily during their routine inspections. The sooner you find a problem, the easier it is to fix. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the problem will worsen and lead to additional structural damage or water damage.
Build A Relationship With A Quality Roofing Company
Eventually, you are going to need some work on your roof if you plan on this being your long-term home. Shingles will fall, tiles will get damaged, and serious issues could result in the need for a full replacement. That’s where it’s so important to build a relationship with a local company. You can start by scheduling regular inspections until they are familiar with your property and its quirks. You’ll then be able to trust that company with your repairs and a full-on replacement if needed. Get them over to take a look and start thinking about those other roof tips.
