It’s a great view

Posted on: 28 December 2015

You may not pay much attention to your roof unless you have a leak, but it needs regular maintenance and inspections. This helps you to look for early signs of trouble so you can get the repairs done before it turns into something more serious. It also allows you to perform tasks that reduce the risk for things like major holes in the roof or ice dams. Here are some tips for keeping your roof well maintained and in good shape.

Remove Snow from the Roof

When the snow starts to pile up on the roof, make sure you carefully head up on a ladder to shovel it off. This is important because if the roof gets warm and melts the snow, it will end up in the gutters. If it is still freezing out, the melted snow will refreeze, which can then cause ice dams. These has the potential to cause damage to your roof's structure. Not only that, the weight of the snow can cause its own form of damage.

Clear Out the Gutters

The gutters need to be kept clean at all times. This is one of the most important things to focus on when maintaining your roof. Having leaves, dirt and other debris in the gutters causes water to sit in the sludge, which prevents any draining. This can cause extra weight in the gutters and start to damage them, not to mention the possible damage to your roof when that water builds up. It also increases your risk for ice dams and other issues.

Clean the Roof

The roof itself also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Cleaning the roof removes various debris that ends up on it,while also giving you a chance to inspect the roof structure and be warned ahead of time when you need roof repairs. Use a broom to sweep the roof's surface, then wash it with a pressure washer. Do this after cleaning the gutters so the water has a place to drain. If the water doesn't drain, you should be able to pinpoint the problem. If a leak occurs inside the home while using the pressure washer, you know you have a crack or leak somewhere on the roof. Pressure washing is going to help you remove mildew and grime.

Trim Nearby Branches

After you have cleaned and inspected your roof, then trim nearby trees and branches. If there are overhanging tree branches, they will start dropping lots of leaves and debris on the roof, making it harder to keep clean. There is also the risk of the branches hitting the roofing materials during strong winds and causing damage over time. Try to keep tree limbs away from the roof as much as possible.

If you need assistance with any of these things, or if you believe your house requires re-roofing, contact a professional in your area.