Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home. That’s why it deserves more attention and time than many homeowners care to give. After all, it protects your home and family from the harsh weather elements 24/7. As per roofing experts, it pays to keep your roof in great shape. So, if you’re concerned about your roof and looking for some effective tips to care for your roof on your own, you’ve landed at the right place.
Our roofing specialists have prepared this handy list of some helpful tips that will help ensure that your roof performs optimally and provides you with the best protection throughout its lifespan and beyond. Let’s get started.
1. Don’t Take Your Gutters for Granted
The first step in any effective Roof maintenance program is to make sure that you regularly clean your gutters. The purpose of gutters is to help drain rainwater and keep your roof dry. But, when the gutters get clogged with debris like dirt and leaves, they cannot do their job efficiently. If dirt and wet leaves accumulate in your gutters, they can start absorbing moisture and cause structural issues in your home including foundation problems over time. That’s why it’s so crucial to maintain your gutters by cleaning them every six months so that you won’t have to face such a situation ever in your life.
2. Prune & Trim the Surrounding Trees
Who doesn’t love a perfect shade to get some relief from the scorching heat of summers? For this reason, some homeowners prefer having big and beautiful trees near their houses. However, they can be detrimental to your roof’s health. Heavy rains and high-speed winds can cause tree limbs to break off and land on your roof that can wreak havoc on your roofing system.
Even if you live in a warmer area with pleasant weather, the overhanging branches can cause many roofing issues. So, make sure that there are big trees in the vicinity of your home. But, if you love having trees near your home, make sure to trim or prune them regularly.
3. Replace the Damaged Shingles
If you have a shingle roof, make sure to regularly check if your roofing shingles are in good shape and that they are free from any defects. This simple step will go a long way in protecting your roof from serious and large-scale roofing issues. For example, damaged shingles could result in attic damage, moisture-related issues, and reduced energy efficiency in your home. Therefore, always keep an eye out for broken, damaged, or worn-out shingles and repair or replace them immediately.
4. Look Out For Rust on Your Metal Roof
If you have a metal roof, beware of the rusting issues. Metal is generally susceptible to rusting problems especially if you live in an area that receives heavy rains throughout the year. However, this problem can be easily solved if you have experienced roofing professionals at your disposal. You can even remove some of the rust yourself with some simple tools. First of all check for rusty screws and replace them as soon as you can. Make sure you have some basic tools such as a scrub or wire brush for this task. These simple tools will make your job much easier and faster.
5. Give it Professional Attention
Sometimes despite all the precautions and safety measures, your roof can still get damaged. The fact is you cannot predict the weather conditions and control any other external factors that have the potential to affect your roof. In such cases, the best thing you can do is contact trusted professionals. They have the proper tools needed for this job and they can guide you on your best course of action.
For more guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our roofing experts at Mississippi Landsource today and get started on your FREE consultation on a great contractor.
