An image of a house with brown colored roof

Roof damage may come in any form – leaks, mold, cracks, and even holes. While we may not notice our roofing too often, a small leakage will make sure to get your attention. But did you know that there are ways to prevent the damage and save yourself from spending too much on repair and maintenance? In this blog post, we aim to educate you about the most effective ways to protect your roofing.

 

Keep the Gutters Clean

Roof maintenance can become a lot easier if you regularly clean the gutters. Water can easily find its way to the roof, rotting the materials and promoting algae when the gutters are left unsanitary. Thus, to prevent damage and save yourself from hefty repairs, get your gutters cleaned up twice a year.

 

Inspect Regularly

Schedule a time to occasionally walk towards your roof and look for any damages.  A visual roof inspection can prevent the chances of further damage caused by wind, heavy rainfall, or snow. You should also keep an eye out for those pesky pests lurking around.

 

Remove Leaves

If your house is surrounded by trees, there is a high chance that leaves could gather on the roof and in the gutters. Leaves have the potential to retain moisture, which can lead to decomposition and weed growth. They will also block the flow of gutters and cause water to flow over the top of the gutter. If left untreated for a while, leaves can also pick up dirt and dust, leading to mold growth. So if you want to prevent this from happening, sweep off the leaves and clean out the gutters and downspouts. If you need new gutters, check out our guide on how to choose the right gutter for your home.

 

Trim the Branches

Overgrown branches can cause substantial damage to the shingles and may leave broken twigs or leaves on the roof. Plus, overgrown branches can attract small animals and pests, such as squirrels and rodents, that may cause further damage, including holes and cracks on the roof. Ideally, there should at least be a ten feet gap between your roof and the branches to avoid damage. In order to do this, you will have to regularly trim the branches yourself or hire a professional to do the job for you.

 

 

A tree overhanging a roof in Philadelphia.

 

Prevent Ice Dams Form

At the time of heavy rain or snowfall, you must ensure that the fallen snow or the rainwater does not accumulate on the roof. The accumulation of this water could result in the formation of ice dams if you live in a colder climate region) and cause your roof to rot, grow mold, and eventually leak if left untreated. To protect your roof from weather damage, you can use a rake to push off excess snow before it forms an ice dam and prevents water from draining off.

 

Seal the Roof

Most roofs include certain fixtures, such as a cooling system or ventilation. These fixtures are exposed to a lot of damage (in the form of environmental factors) and have the potential to cause damage to the roof if not protected. Thus, sealing the surrounding area around the fixtures will prevent any damage that could have been caused by leakage and cracks.

 

Conclusion

It is important to protect and maintain your roof to ensure that it stays in top-notch condition throughout the year. For more details and information regarding roofing solutions, please contact us here.

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