Maintenance Tips to Help Your Roof Last Longer
As your roof is constantly exposed to the weather it is vulnerable to deterioration and damage so what maintenance tips will help your roof last longer? Let’s take a look.
Regular checks
All roofing experts will tell you that regular checks are vital to maintaining your roof. As your view of the roof is limited from the ground you will need to get safely onto the roof and inspect it regularly.
If this is not an option or you’re not good with heights then you should hire a roofing company to carry out checks a few times a year. The cost of these inspections is an investment in your property’s future and will be less expensive than repairing a leaking roof.
Failing to carry out regular checks on your roof can allow damage to go unnoticed and worsen. This may mean extensive repairs or in the worst cases the need to replace part of your roof.
Checks should be done a minimum of twice a year as well as after any severe storm or high winds. Weather conditions are one of the primary reasons for the deterioration of your roof and even normal, daily exposure can cause issues such as blocked gutters, missing roof tiles, and accumulating moss.
Don’t forget the flashing around your chimney which is a potential weak point for water ingress. Regular checks should also be done in your attic and around the walls of your home for signs of water leaking into the property.
Don’t neglect signs of damage
The roof is a very important area of your home to maintain. It shields and protects everything else within the property so keeping it in good condition should be a priority for every homeowner.
If you do detect any signs of damage, disrepair or deterioration you should act as quickly as possible to correct the situation. Broken or missing roof tiles should be replaced immediately and damaged chimney flashing repaired.
Blocked gutters should be cleared out and any damaged rainwater goods repaired or replaced to prevent water ingress into your home.
Moss accumulating on your roof will act like a sponge, absorbing moisture and holding it in contact with your roof surface. This moisture potentially can work its way underneath the tiles to the wooden structure causing rot.
Removing the moss and applying an appropriate treatment will keep your roof looking good and protect it against ongoing damage. The size of your roof and your location will influence the roof treatment prices you will pay.
Trim back overhanging trees
While it is wonderful to have trees surrounding your home, creating shade and a nice ambience they are also a potential source of problems. Leaves clog drains, fallen branches may damage roof tiles or slates, and the shade of trees can create ideal conditions for moss and algae to grow.
Keeping the trees around your home trimmed back will limit the possibility of damage to your roof. If you’re not confident about cutting back trees then a professional arborist will be able to do this work for you.
Clear gutters regularly
Even without trees near your roof, your gutters will collect a varied assortment of leaves, twigs and other debris carried on the wind. Moss needs no invitation to grow in the moist environment of your gutters and will add to the general damming effect.
Overflowing gutters will cause damage to the fascia and may lead to water entering your property. The stains on the exterior walls of your home from leaking guttering are also unsightly. Meanwhile, all that excess water is pooling at the base of walls and entering the foundations of your property potentially causing unseen damage.
