A set of responsibilities always accompanies homeowners. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, changing an air filter, or fixing the attic, a home needs constant care. One part of my home that demands constant attention is the roof. Nothing sends shivers down my spine more than a damaged, leaky, or out of shape roof! If yours is in dire need of repair, however, getting an expert like an Excelsior Roofing Company to handle it is important. You want the repairs to last, after all. In the meantime, below are the roof care tips I religiously follow.

Proper Inspection

Roofs tend to deteriorate due to exposure to harsh conditions. I have made it a habit to check out mine periodically. My visual inspections are done twice a year when the roof is free from snow. However, I tend to also take a good look after hurricanes, gales, and any windy conditions.

The inspection routine is done in two steps. First, I use binoculars to check for any wear and tear. At this point, I also compare my roof’s condition with that of my nearby neighbours. The second inspection involves grabbing a ladder and heading up to check missing tiles, signs of rust, chimney flashings, and any missing sections.

Cleaning Off Debris

Whenever we clean our homes, the roof is probably never on our list. However, it’s vital to ensure no dirt, foreign objects, or vegetation are present. Since my roof contains asphalt shingles, it’s prone to algae, moss, and mold. Mold growth can be spotted as black or green stains.

I spray-wash my shingles with a mixture of water and bleach to eliminate the algae. I generally avoid pressure washers. I tried them once and ended up damaging my shingles. Once everything is done, I rinse the entire roof with clean water.

Trim Nearby Trees

Low-hanging tree branches can wreak havoc on any roof. These branches might scrape shingles and generate gaping holes and leaks to the roof. Alternatively, large branches risk falling on and damaging the roof during heavy storms.

Trees also shed leaves and small twigs that might accumulate on gutters and block them. As a precaution, I have few trees near my house and regularly trim any branches that appear to overgrow.

Check and Clean Gutters

Gutters are the best indicators of issues with shingles. A large collection of shingle granules pinpoints to degraded shingles. Gutters also play a critical role in directing water and debris away from the foundation and roof. Stalled water tends to damage the roof, soffit, foundation, fascia and accelerate the growth of mold. Installing Seamless Gutters is a great way to protect your home against heavy storms by moving water away from your home without interruption.

I clean my gutters each season. When cleaning, I keep an eye on clogged leaves, debris and check on any leaks present. A clean gutter ensures that water flows properly off the roof! If cleaning seems daunting, you can bring in experts like Smart Florida Gutters to take care of all of your gutter needs including cleaning, installing, and repairing.

Keep Ice and Snow Off

I reside in a bitterly cold location, where snow and ice are a daily theme. Built up snow and ice weighs heavily. When this weight is exerted on the roof, it creates stresses and interferes with its structural integrity. Besides this issue, ice also melts and might start leaking water into the house.

I have solved the snow and ice problem by redesigning my roof. However, my roof still experiences minor ice accumulations during the winter. Luckily, some professional contractors live nearby and help remove the accumulated ice. They even go a little more in depth at times with their cleaning services, which is great. Removing ice from roofs is extremely hazardous and requires professionals to do the job.

Swift Action

Roof care demands quick action. A small issue like a leaking roof can spiral in magnitude if it isn’t fixed quickly. I am constantly on the lookout for warning signs such as daylight penetration, debris from broken slates, and mortar droppings in the gullies. Smoke leaks through the brickwork help me identify chimney hitches. The presence of these signs indicates that my roof needs maintenance, and I do precisely that.

Bring in the Expert

DIY fixes on the roof can sometimes be extremely dangerous and costly. A policy that I follow to the latter is that it’s better to enlist an expert whenever I doubt something. And not any other handyman, but an accredited roofing expert. From experience, such professionals are genuine, well-versed with roofing, and have the technical know-how to solve issues. There’s much to be learned, money to be saved, and advice to be taken from roofers.