The roof is the first line of defense against all elements and weather. Being the only shield between you and the precipitation, it takes little to understand that regular maintenance is critical. There are a few things you can do to ensure a lengthy service.
Roof repairs can be costly, and some minor breaks can cause more significant problems, so that’s why frequent checkups are vital. 619 Roofing listed potential DIY roofing solutions any home should apply before calling the professionals. Either way, maintenance shouldn’t be avoided, so here’s what you can do:
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Shingles
Shingles are easily damaged due to constant wear and tear, and it’s perfectly normal to give them attention now and then. You don’t have to climb the roof every time. A quick scan from the ground could spot potential problems and call for action. For a more thorough inspection, you can climb the ladder, carefully sweep the roof, and look for cracks. Old and broken shingles should be replaced immediately because letting them go can quickly snowball into a significant water leak.
Debris Wipe
A roof can often nest many different objects. The usual suspects are leaves, dirt, and debris that aren’t harmful per se, but if left unattended for a long time, problems might occur. Again, water can find its way inside your home if leaves block its designated pathway. A simple solution is cleaning the roof at least twice a year. You can use a broom and sweep the dirt down in the direction the shingles are facing the ground. A better option is to use a leaf blower.
Inspect Gutters
Next, you should inspect gutters since they are convenient for any debris accumulation. Another clue that shows you your shingles are due for a replacement is if you find shingle granules in the gutters. This is important because granules protect the shingles from UV rays. When granules fall off, the shingles are more susceptible to breaks which can lead to water leaks.
Due to their shape, Gutters very quickly pile up debris, and it is crucial to clean them regularly. Failing to do so will result in water staying on the roof longer than necessary, or worse, finding alternative routes to the ground, resulting in damage to the roof and the interior.
Get Rid of Moss
Moss likes moist, and if your roof does not see a lot of sun throughout the year, then the surface might become the perfect breeding ground. You shouldn’t neglect moss as it can spread quickly, and its growth can damage the shingles, and I’ve already mentioned what damaged shingles mean. You can use water and scrub to remove moss from the roof.
Trim Branches
Branches that hang very close to the roof can be problematic when it’s windy. Storms are also dangerous because big branches might fall off and damage the roof. The best way to deal with them is to trim them if they are too close because they damage shingles by constantly scraping.
Hire Professionals
Climbing up on the roof can be dangerous, and if you don’t feel confident, it is better not to go up. Instead, you can hire professionals who have proper tools and training to thoroughly check up the roof, find potential breaks, and deal with them accordingly. It is recommended to perform these checkups a few times a year, especially after bad weather when the roof can sustain damage. The idea is to prevent rather than pay for expensive repairs or replacements, and the sooner you react, the better.
