HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MY ROOF AND GUTTERS
August 5, 2022
6 Simple steps to Maintain your home Roof and Gutters
It can be easy to forget about areas in your property that you rarely see, such as the roof and gutters.
However, neglecting these areas can be the cause of costly problems such as leaking roofs, sagging gutters, and much more. By staying ahead of roof and gutter maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs, damage, and worse — having to replace your entire roof completely.
Although roofs are designed to withstand the strongest of storms, over time, they will show signs of wear and tear.
Follow the maintenance tips below:
1. Check the shingles regularly
The best way to maintain your rental property’s roof is by inspecting its shingles as often as possible, especially after a storm.
Shingles are the coverings on your roof that are overlapping tiles typically made out of wood, metal, slate, and asphalt. Aside from enhancing the appearance of the home, shingles protect your roof from environmental damage.
Checking your shingles requires nothing more than a trusty pair of binoculars. Stand a distance from the house and check for signs of damage, such as curling shingles, missing granules, cracked shingles, and so on.
If any of these signs are present, be sure to hire a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible.
2. Trim overhanging branches
If tall trees surround your home, have their branches trimmed regularly, especially if their branches have started to hang directly above the roof. When branches break during strong windows, they can damage the surface of the roof. Falling leaves may also collect on the roof and accumulate moisture, which may cause your tiles to rot.
3. Remove fallen leaves
If your home features a peaked roof, gravity will most likely remove the leaves for you. But if your home has a more contemporary roof with trees towering above it, heaps of leaves have probably already accumulated in your valley gutter.
Leaves that aren’t cleared from the roof will only get heavier and heavier. Eventually, you will notice that certain parts of your roof will begin to sag. What’s more, is that leaves can trap moisture within your roof, resulting in mold.
4. Clean your gutters
As the seasons change, more and more debris will accumulate in your gutters. Make sure to keep your gutters clean and free from any debris throughout the year.
Clogged gutters will prevent water from flowing away from your home, causing water to seep underneath your roofing. This can result in multiple problems such as foundation damage, pest infestations, damp basements, and much more.
5. Get rid of moss and mold
In many homes across the United States, finding black algae on the roof is not an uncommon occurrence. Although black algae may look unsightly, it doesn’t cause serious damage to the roof. Getting rid of this blue-green algae can be easily removed with a little bleach or detergent mixed with water.
6. Schedule a roof inspection
One of the best ways that you can be proactive with roof maintenance is by asking a professional to inspect your roof now and then.
As a property owner, there are tasks that you can do by yourself to prolong the lifespan of your roof, but you may need an expert’s eye to spot certain signs of damage.
To make sure that your roof is in excellent condition for as long as possible, schedule a roof inspection at least twice a year, and after storms or hurricanes.
Font: Luxury Property Care