A Guide to Smart Roof Maintenance

Do you spend some time thinking about your roof? For the most part, many homeowners forget to give the roof some thought. This is despite the fact it is one, if not the most important of the house that protects the entire interior.
Giving some thought to your roof is important. Countrywide Roof and Walls who provide roof repairs Glasgow has recommended that homeowners inspect their asphalt roofs at least twice every year. Despite the stated life of the asphalt roof system being 15 years, homeowners should inspect their roof in fall and spring.
With the above in mind, let’s explore some of the best DIY roof inspection tips homeowners can follow. Moreover, we will delve into how to go about seeking and using expert assistance.
Best Roofing Tips To Have In Mind
#1. Inspect Your Prospective House – Even before you think of signing on the dotted lines when purchasing a new house, have the roof inspected. Contract a professional roof inspector to conduct a thorough roof inspection. Doing will potentially save you a lot of money and time by negating the chances of needed lengthy and costly repairs. Moreover, when you purchase a house with a good roof, it will be easier to sell, if decide to sell the house.
#2. Trim Overhanging Tree-Branches – Even though trees add character and natural bliss to your property, they can also be a menace, especially when the roof comes into play. When you inspect your roof, makes sure that there are no branches lying on or leaning against the roof of roofing structure. The weight and swinging action of branches pose a huge risk of damaging and or dislodging shingles. In case there are such branches, get rid of them.
#3. Clean The Gutters – Gutter cleaning is no fun, but it is important nonetheless. You need to clean the gutters, removing the leaves, branches, and the dust particles that collect in the gutters. Otherwise, this materials will collect to substantial amounts, so much so that they backup water when it actually rains. In turn, this water finds its way into the attic, behind the fascia boards, and the living areas, causing water damage.
Clean the gutter at least once every six months. Moreover, always check to ensure that there are no damaged or sagging gutters. If there are, are such damaged section, repair or replace them.
#4. Make Sure Your Roof Can Breathe – When your roof cannot breathe, moisture and heat will affect the health of your roof. For instance, an excess amount of heat and moisture will cause the structural materials holding the roof to rot. In other cases, shingles can buckle, reducing their insulation capability and water-tight qualities.
#5. Use Proper Insulation – One of the ways that you can improve ventilation and the overall airflow of your roof is by using proper insulation. For instance, you should have a gap-free insulation layer on the attic floor. Moreover, you should use a vapor retarders, ideally under the insulation you install in your ceiling. This will prevent moisture from moving up to the attic. Furthermore, you should have open vents that allow air to pass freely between the roof sheathing and the insulation.
#6. Inspect The Attic After Heavy Storms – After every storm has passed, head to the attic and inspect for water stains and signs of weakened shingles.
#7. Prevent Streaking – You do not want your roof to develop mold streaks. As such, you should carefully inspect the color of your roof regularly. This is especially important for roof sections facing the north. This portion of your roof will spend many months every year under cold dump conditions. Such conditions enable mold, fungus, and algae to thrive. When their growth goes unchecked, the roofing materials will deteriorate, negatively impacting the life of your roof. This will eventually lead to leaks.
To comprehensively and preemptively deal with the mold menace, you should consider installing zinc strips along the ridge in your roof. The Shingle Shield Roof Protector strips which are EPA approved, effective, and long-lasting to protect your roof from mold, fungus, mildew, and algae.
#8. Check for Signs Of Damaged Roofs – Every once in a while, check for signs of damaged shingles. Roofing shingles are exposed to the elements. As such, they experience dilapidation over time. The dilapidation will increase the risk of water leaks and rot. As such, it is important that you inspect the roof to ensure the shingle are structurally sound and are up to the job.
#9. Be Cautious When Doing DIY Roof Repairs – If you trust your DIY skills and experience, you can conduct roof repairs. However, take caution and be safe. For instance, use a firmly braced ladder. If you decide to go onto the roof, do so only wearing rubber-soled safety shoes that have ample gripe.
#10. Shop Around – When a repair project requires experience and skills you do not possess, it is time to call in the experts. Do your homework and request at the very least 3 quotes from reputable and genuine roofing companies. With quality and price in mind, choose the best roofing contractor.