Roof Maintenance Tips You Need to Know
The roof is undeniably one of the most vital parts of a building. It keeps you dry during heavy rains or light showers, shields you from the scorching summer heat, provides insulation, and keeps out insects, animals, and, on rare occasions, falling objects. Service providers of roof maintenance in Auckland know the importance of quality roofing, and you should, too.
Before relying on the services of roof repair companies, homeowners can first do their part, especially in preventing costly roofing repairs.
This article lists top roof maintenance tips to help you do just that.
Prevent Costly Roof Repairs with Roof Maintenance Advice from the Experts
Want to know how to prevent costly roof repairs? Read roof maintenance advice from smart New Zealand homeowners and their trusted roof repair specialists below.
Clear Your Roof of Debris and Tree Branches.
Do you live in an area with plenty of lush, towering trees? Is your roof constantly collecting leaves, twigs, and other debris that falls from overhanging branches? If so, a build-up of debris and foliage may cause a problem in the long run, especially during stormy seasons.
Strong winds can send heavy branches and other debris down your roof. The leaves can also clog gutters and cause mould and mildew growth. Furthermore, constant rainwater diversion could lead to foundation damage and basement flooding in a worst-case scenario.
A best practice is to trim the trees surrounding your house regularly and clear the roof of leaves and other fallen debris.
Prevent Algae and Moss Growth.
Clogged gutters and nearby flora can also encourage the growth of moss and algae. Aside from making your roofing look unappealing, algae and moss are known to retain moisture, which is definitely not good for your roof’s structure. Algae and moss can also cause rotting and deterioration in wood and asphalt shingles.
Regularly washing your roof with ammonia bleach and water solution will help keep your roof clear and prevent moss and algae from growing.
Check Your Ceiling and Walls for Leak Marks
Some roof problems may look harmless. However, small, insignificant-looking watermarks and leaks can be signs of more serious issues. These marks are actually subtle warnings of a leaking roof and water infiltration.
Check your indoor walls and ceiling and your exterior, too. Pay attention to even the tiniest spots of moisture and stain. Also, check for any musty odour. Based on the location of stains or odours, trace the problem, and seal the leak by calling a specialist in waterproofing.
If you spot them right away, these problems are manageable on your own.
Don’t Let Animals Nest on Your Roof
No matter how cute this sounds, never let animals such as birds or squirrels nest on your roof. Aside from the annoying and constant tapping and clicking you hear every night when they are most active, they might chew on your roofing material.
Use animal repellent sprays to prevent them from nesting on your roof. It also helps to treat surrounding trees with repellent and clear your roof and gutters of leaves or debris to discourage pests from nesting.
Roof maintenance should be part of your home management practices. Schedule your maintenance so you won’t forget.
Remember, roof maintenance should be your first line of defence against costly yet necessary roof repairs. These small steps can help keep your roofing sturdy and enduring for decades.
