keywords: roof maintenance, how to maintain your roof, roof maintenance services
Not sure how to maintain your roof? We’re filling you in on all dos and don’ts of roof maintenance straight from the pros!
Your roof takes a major beating every single day. Even when the weather is “good,” your roof is the first to take the brunt of the elements. Your roof is in the thick of rain, wind, direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and more!
Roofs and roofing materials were made to go through it, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a breaking point. When your roof experiences too much, it can show signs of weakness, like damaged or missing shingles, lifting flashing, and more. It’s expected that the roof goes through a lot of wear and tear, and regular care and maintenance are necessary for it to continue working the way it should.
The roof is an essential part of your home. After all, it’s what covers your home and keeps your belongings and your loved ones safe! To help you care for your roof and keep it in tip-top shape so it can last its entire expected lifespan, we’ve gathered some must-dos and don’ts for how to maintain your roof.
Continue reading below to learn more.
The Dos and Don’ts for Roof Maintenance
DO Get Your Roof Inspected Regularly — Getting your roof inspected regularly will offer insight into the needed care, repairs, and overall maintenance of your roof to keep it in great condition. It may go without saying, but roof inspections can be incredibly dangerous and should only be performed by a trusted, professional roofing contractor.
Yes, most property owners can spot obvious signs of wear and roof damage, but a professional knows what to look for and can uncover hidden damages, saving you time and money in the long run.
DON’T Forget Your Gutters — Between the rain, wind, falling leaves, and little critters, your property’s gutter system can get jammed. These clogs can result in your gutters not working effectively or efficiently and can lead to other significant issues, like damaged soffit or fascia that can cause water damage.
If you want your gutters and downspout to function properly, clearing out all the gunk and debris is essential. Ideally, a professional would do the job for you, but if you choose to take on the task yourself, here are a few pointers from the experts:
- Gear up. You’ll need a sturdy ladder, safety glasses, thick gloves, a couple of buckets, an extended garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment, a trowel, and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Only work when conditions are good. Do not attempt to go on your roof if it is wet. Only use your ladder on solid, flat surfaces. Always tell someone you’re working on your gutters so they can call for help if necessary. Be cautious and work carefully.
- For quick and easy disposal of gutter gunk, attach one of your buckets to the top of your ladder so you aren’t climbing up and down unnecessarily.
- Use your trowel or hands to remove the more significant bits of debris; your hose should be able to handle the finer material in your gutter.
- Remember to check your downspouts for clogs.
- Replace filters and leaf guards once you’re done.
DO Trim Your Trees — There are many benefits to having mature trees surround your property. But it also comes with a handful of drawbacks. Keeping your trees’ limbs and branches trimmed is crucial! Maintaining the foliage around your home may fall into the yard maintenance category. Still, it directly impacts your roof since overhanging branches are one of the biggest dangers to a roof.
Wind and heavy snow-laden branches can cause tree limbs to snap and fall onto your roof, causing severe damage and encouraging mold and algae growth if not quickly removed. Skip the DIY project and call a skilled tree surgeon about pruning your trees.
DON’T Attempt to Do the Job Yourself — You may have noticed we’ve mentioned a couple of times to call in the professionals when it comes to roof maintenance, care, and repairs. This isn’t a money grab on our part but an effort to keep you safe and not waste your time and money.
A damaged roof needs a keen eye and particular attention and care. Going the DIY route often damages the roof further or, worse, results in injury. Save your time, money, and neck (literally!) and call the roofing experts.
DO Keep Your Eye On Your Attic Insulation — Insulation in your attic is key for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. It is a major player in keeping the heat out of your home. Not only that, but the insulation can tell you a lot about the health of your roof.
Wet insulation has a distinct look and smell. Even if it’s been wet and has the chance to dry, it is still evident that it was once wet. Wet attic insulation almost always means a leak in your roof, and repairs are necessary.
DON’T Put Off Roof Maintenance Services — By the time roof damage catches your eye, the issue is likely pretty severe. The longer you put off hiring professional roof maintenance services, the worse off you’ll be.
Not only will the damage be more expensive and extensive, but it’s significantly more dangerous. Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. So making it a priority is essential! Do not delay!
DO Call in a Trusted Roofing Contractor
Roof maintenance is essential to the health of your home. Whether you aren’t sure how to maintain your roof or require professional roof maintenance services, call in a skilled roofing contractor like We Do Roofing SLC.
The knowledgeable and trusted team at We Do Roofing SLC is licensed and insured and are experts in gutter, siding, and roof repairs, replacements, and inspections. With more than 20 years of experience, we can help you with your commercial or residential roofing needs, whether you need a new roof or require a simple roof repair.
We are ready to serve homes and businesses in Salt Lake City, Murray, West Valley City, West Jordan, and surrounding cities along the Wasatch Front. Contact us for a quick quote today.
