Top 5 Roof Maintenance Tips

The roof protects you and your home from all kinds of weather, bugs, animals, and falling debris although it seldom receives the appreciation and attention it deserves.?

Here are the best ways to keep your roof operating problem-free for a long time to come!

1. ? ? ? ALWAYS CHECK-UP

Twice a year (spring and fall) do a visual, from-the-ground examination. Look for these problem areas.

?? ? ? ? Lifting or missing shingles

?? ? ? ? Damaged drip edge

?? ? ? ? Buckling, loose or missing flashing

?? ? ? ? Missing or exposed fasteners

?? ? ? ? Sagging or broken gutters

?? ? ? ? Piles of granules

In case you are unable to access these on your own, it is ideal to seek out an expert opinion.

2.? ? Slender Branches Around Your Roof

Are there trees and branches near your home? One good storm can send branches crashing into your roof. If so, the smartest thing would be to simply trim them regularly, if you can.?

The reason is very simple. Due to storms and harsh winds, they can end up flying freely and damage your roof.?

Why is this step so important? This is important because by removing you are keeping your property protected from likely damage, and at the same time, preventing the presence of moss.

You can help prevent moss and algae growth by doing the following.

? ? ? ? ? Keep your attic properly ventilated

? ? ? ? ? Remove debris

? ? ? ? ? Trim overhanging branches

Therefore, the roof functions in most situations without ever needing to be cleaned. If your roof is prone to developing moss or other growth though, it will need infrequent cleaning.?

Mix bleach and water in a garden sprayer and apply the mixture to affected areas, Rinse with a garden hose.?

By doing these, you will also preserve the integrity of your roof and prevent potential structural damage.

3. ? ? ? Have Your Attic Inspected After a Storm

Even a storm that lasts only a few minutes can cause surprising damage, especially on an older roof.?

Without proper insulation, snow and ice accumulated on your roof during winter will start to melt at the lowest layer, allowing the water to refreeze around your shingles. If there is an ice dam on your roof, which prevents water from properly draining from the gutters, this melting process can cause extensive damage to the shingles and roof itself very quickly. If you’re worried about roofing problems after the weather subsides, take some time to inspect your roof for these:

? ? ? ? ? Missing Or Damaged Shingles

? ? ? ? ? Problems With Gutters

? ? ? ? ? Moisture In Your Attic

? ? ? ? ? Warped Rafters In Your Attic

? ? ? ? ? Stained Ceilings Or Walls

? ? ? ? ? Peeling Paint Near the Roofline

4.? ? Proper Ventilation?

Roof vents are important because they extend the life of your roof, reduce energy costs, and reduce indoor temperature extremes. They also prevent damage to your shingles and prevent them from cracking. If you don’t ensure proper ventilation, you can count on heat and moisture wreaking havoc on your roofing system and decreasing the effectiveness of your insulation.

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5. ? ? ? Replace the Caulk Around Flashings as Needed

? ? ? ? ? What is caulk?

This happens because a roof's shingles are either made of metal or plastic, both of which suffer under heat. A roof caulk or sealant with strong UV reflectivity is the only proven way to protect a roof against sunlight and preserve the shingles for as long as possible. Each sealant has a varying lifespan, but most last 10–20 years.

To ensure the flashing on your roof can protect against water leaks, you should inspect and replace the caulk on an annual basis. While at it, check to see if the caulk is missing or starting to lift in any areas. If yes, kindly scrape away the old caulk and apply a new bead to fill the gap.

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Have Your Trusted Experts Perform All Maintenance and Repairs.

Don’t trust your roof maintenance to just any contractor.?

Choosing London Building Contractors, LBC guarantees that you’ll be working with a quality, dependable contractor with a proven reputation for customer satisfaction and a history. We are licensed, bonded, and assured. If you need help with your roofing project, London building contractors today!