As a homeowner, you must know how to take care of your roof. Although it can be an intimidating process, roof maintenance ensures your homes longevity. Climate factors such as storm, heat, rain can degrade the quality of your roof every year, thousands of Aussie homeowners undergo roof replacement, usually due to tough climate conditions and because the roof has reached the end of its life expectancy. However, with regular maintenance and care, your roof can last longer — all it takes a little time to investigate your surroundings and coupled with periodic inspections.
Roof maintenance is necessary for every homeowner. To help you, we have described some practices for homeowners to keep their roof maintained and increase its longevity.
- Clean and Maintain the Gutters
Gutters play an important role in keeping your roof intact. Gutters are designed to direct debris and water away from the roof and home foundation. But they can get clogged from sticks, leaves, and other remains of foliage. When water is retained, the roof surface may start deteriorating. This can result in roof damage. The damage can be to the extent that you may have to replace the whole roof. Thus, you need to ensure that the gutters are clean. Inspect the gutter every month and make sure that the drainage is free of clutter and debris.
- Trim the Trees That Are Near By the Roof
Ensure that the trees nearby the roof are trimmed occasionally so that their branches won’t lean towards the roof causing dents and scratches. The worst-case scenario would be a storm breaking the branches that ultimately falls on the roofing. This is a severe hazard, and you need to take every measure in protecting your family. So, cut down the unnecessary branches that are growing too high and overhanging, and you think it may fall on the roofing with a slight wind.
But make sure that you are following council regulations. The falling leaves can clog the gutters, broken branches can dent or puncture the shingles, and may cause several other complications.
- Inspect the Insulation
Your homes ventilation and insulation can determine on your roof’s health and longevity. During winter, ice dams may form that will eventually start melting when the temperature rises. In such a situation, the melted ice is collected around the shingles that refreeze again when the temperature decreases. The accumulation of water and ice on the shingles can damage the roofing. This is where insulation comes into the play. Insulation in your house will protect your roofing against the damage caused by ice. It will keep the temperature high so that water doesn’t refreeze again.
Quality roofing from popular brands like Colourbond® roofs or Zincalume® is worthwhile looking into. Always consult a professional and honest contractor that shows professionalism during the consultation or installation process.
