Roofing Maintenance Tips

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Eventually, all roofs must be repaired or replaced. The goal of most homeowners is to avoid a premature roof replacement by any means necessary. After all, a small repair here or there is much easier to stomach (especially financially), than a full-on roof replacement. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to prolong the lifespan of your roof while keeping it safe. Maintaining the roof on your home helps to avoid leaks, mold/mildew build-up, weakened roof structure, etc. Furthermore, it can keep heating and cooling bills at a minimum. Though there are many steps that you can personally take throughout the year to ensure that your roof is in top condition, there is nothing like leaning on the expertise of a trusted roofer. They are trained to spot potential hazards and notice issues on your roof that only a trained professional could spot. Your roof protects everything else in your home. By maintaining your roof, you potentially avoid costly repairs down the line. 

Common Roof Maintenance Tips

It is not difficult to maintain your roof. In fact, there are certain things that you should look for every time you look up at it. Listed below, you will find some common roof maintenance tips that can help to prolong the lifespan of your roof. 

  • Keep Your Gutters Clear: Your gutters play an important role in keeping your roof safe. If they are blocked, it can encourage a build-up of moisture. That can eventually cause your roof to leak, grow mildew/mold, and/or make your shingles buckle. 
  • Trim Branches: If your home is close to or actually under a tree, it is imperative that you trim the overhanging branches. This can limit or prevent damage in the event of inclement weather and/or high winds. 
  • Check Your Attic: If you can see streaks of daylight coming through the ceiling of your attic, it may be a sign that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Furthermore, water stains and/or an exorbitant amount of moisture in your attic could indicate leaking. 
  • Always Check Your Roof After a Storm: Mother nature is unpredictable and powerful. After a major storm, it is recommended that you check your roof and attic for missing shingles, leaks, debris, etc. 
  • Check Your Roofs Insulation: A properly insulated roof can help to prevent ice dams by effectively reducing the amount of moisture that your roof takes on.  
  • Look Up at Your Roof Often: When you are pulling into your driveway, take a quick glance to see if your gutter system is intact and if there is any noticeable damage or potential hazards that you can see from the ground level. 

When to Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected

Most homeowners are not comfortable with completing a full physical inspection of their roof because they do not want to climb on it and/or are not sure what to look for. Connecting with a professional contractor like the roofers at https://portlandroofing.com/ can give you peace of mind in knowing that your roof is being inspected by someone that knows what they are doing. It is recommended that you have your roof inspected at least twice per year. One time before winter and once before summer. Keeping a close eye on your roof can help to prolong its life to meet or potentially surpass its expected lifespan. Furthermore, it can save you from having to make major repairs in the future.