How to Maintain Different Types of Roofs

A new roof is a serious investment. It takes a good amount of time, money and effort to install a new roof, so you want to make sure that the roof lasts. With the right amount of maintenance, you can keep it looking good and standing up to the elements for years to come. Read on to find out how.

Why Do You Need To Maintain Your Roof?

Your roof looks solid, but it can take damage over the years. The biggest problems that homeowners face with their roofs is water damage. If water manages to get in through the roof, then it can start creating mold and mildew, and rotting the timbers that hold the roof up. Fixing this is an expensive job, and something you want to avoid if at all possible. If you take good care of your roof, you can avoid all of this happening.

How To Maintain A Tiled Roof

Tiled roofs are the most common roof styles out there, and they’re much easier to maintain that you’d think. Here’s how you can keep one as good as new:

• Clean out your guttering: Blocked guttering can cause water to overflow onto the roof, which can cause problems with the tiles, allowing water through. All you have to do to avoid this is periodically get up and clear out your gutters of any debris that’s fallen in. You can also buy guards that stop debris getting into the gutter entirely.
• Check your roof tiles. Any tiles that are chipped, loose, or warped aren’t doing their job properly. The best thing to do is to is to remove and replace these tiles as soon as you can.
• Get indoors and up in your attic or loft. Take a look at the roof from the inside. If you can see any light, the roof will need attention. Also, look for any signs of mold or mildew, and deal with it before it spreads.

How To Maintain A Metal Roof

Metals roofs are a good option for a lot of people as they’re sturdy, energy efficient, and can look great. Here’s how you can maintain them so they’re looking their best:

• Clean the roof: Metal roofs can rust and corrode if they’re left to their own devices. The best thing to do is clean them off periodically. You can do this by wiping away mildew and dirt with detergent, and them using a pressure washer to clean it all off.
• Paint the roof: A metal roof can last longer if you paint it. This is a good idea as you can use any color you like, so your roof can really add to the look of the house. Use a good primer and sealer, as well as a specially designed roof paint, to get the best results.
• Keep trees from rubbing against the roof: If you have trees that grow close to your house, keep the branches clipped away from the roof. If they rub against it for long enough, the abrasion can cause real damage. The best thing to do is prevent it in the first place by cutting your trees regularly.

How To Maintain A Flat Roof

Flat roofs seem like they’re the hardest to maintain, but in fact they’re actually quite simple to keep if you pay attention to them regularly. Here’s how you can keep your roof in good condition:

• Don’t walk on it: Flat roofs seem like they can support your weight, but in fact they’re not designed to be walked on. Keep off them as much as possible, and you’ll stop them sagging and becoming worn out.
• Remove debris: Debris has a bad habit of collecting on roofs as it can’t roll off. Who knows how many balls your kids have lost up there? The best thing to do is get up on a ladder periodically and remove any debris that you find. This will stop it weighing down the roof and causing any later issues.
• Clean your gutters: Again, you need to ensure that your gutters are clean. This is especially important with flat roofs, as they can get waterlogged very quickly. This gives way to mold and mildew which you absolutely want to avoid.

General Roof Maintenance Tips

No matter what your roof is like, there are some tips that will help you keep them in good shape:

• Don’t walk on your roof. The more you stay off your roof, the better. You may need to get on it sometimes to do repairs, but remember that roofs aren’t designed to take your weight. Staying off them is safer for you, and will help you keep your roof in good condition for longer.
• Inspect your roof once a year. Having a regular time to inspect your roof is a good idea, as you can keep up to date on the condition it’s in. Mark it in your calendar and don’t forget to do it.
• Look for moss and lichen on your roof. This can be a sign that your roof is decaying underneath. Even if it isn’t, it’s a good idea to remove it so it doesn’t spread. If there’s algae though, be aware that this in itself isn’t harmful to your roof.
• Bring in the professionals: If there are repairs that need to be made, bring in the professionals to do it for you. Your roof is important, and you need the repairs to be done right, first time. Having the professionals do it for you is easier, safer, and much cheaper in the long run.
• Be ready for issues throughout the year: Be aware that issues can happen at any time, and watch out for them. This can include dark areas on the ceiling, peeling paint under the roof, or damp spots along fireplaces.

These tips will help you keep your roof in good condition for years to come. If you start now, you can prolong the life of your new roof and keep it looking newer for longer.