You already know that replacing a roof is expensive. That is reason enough to do whatever you can to ensure the roof lasts for as many years as possible. There are several things you can to do maintain the roof and ensure that you do get your money’s worth. Here are a few tips that will help you get started.
Get Rid of the Debris
Whatever happens to collect on the roof needs to go as quickly as possible. That includes broken limbs, leaves from a tree, or anything else that could hold moisture and damage the shingles. Allowing anything to remain on the roof increases the chances of leaks and other issues to develop. If you are not able to get on the roof and sweep those leaves away, hire a professional to manage the job as quickly as possible.
Trim Those Branches
Does one of your trees have branches hanging directly over the house? You can save yourself a lot of time and effort by having those branches trimmed back. Even if the tree does not drip any type of sap, you’ll end up spending a lot of time attempting to clear leaves off the roof. Trimming those branches also means there is less of a chance of roof damage if the wind should break off those branches during a storm.
Check the Flashing
Metal flashing is still used with many roof designs. The flashing is usually found around chimneys and in roof valleys. When it’s in great shape, the flashing serves as a barrier that keeps precipitation from seeping under the shingles.
If you notice any type of rust on the flashing, now is a good time to call an expert and have it checked. Along with the rust, that flashing may be in the early stages of separating from the rest of the roofing elements. A pro can replace the flashing, apply a coating to the top, and ensure that your roof remains solid.
Beware of Fungus
Fungus can develop around eaves and on the shingles found along the roof line. Along with making your roof look a little nasty, the fungus speeds up the deterioration of the roof.
Your best bet is to have a professional remove the fungus, clean the area thoroughly, and go over the merits of adding some type of metal control stripping to discourage the fungus from coming back. Zinc and lead control strips are among the more common solutions for this type of roof application.
Schedule an Annual Inspection
Even if the roof looks fine to you, it pays to call a local roofer and have the roof inspected once a year. Spring is one of the more common times to have this done, but you can also have a professional check the roof in the autumn. If there is some minor issue developing, the roofer will spot it, go over possible solutions, and take care of the problem once you provide permission.
Consider the care of your roof as one of the more important investments you make in the home. When something’s not right, call for help before the situation can get worse. Your efforts will be rewarded in the form of a roof that keeps your home dry in all kinds of weather, lower heating and cooling bills, and more years of service before there is the need for a replacement.
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