As a homeowner, you’ll have to replace your roof at some point. However, regular roof maintenance keeps you from having to replace it prematurely. Annual roof maintenance is essential because it allows you to identify problems before they worsen and cause extensive damage.
Maintenance Starts With an Exterior Roof Inspection
An inspection is an important aspect of roof maintenance. You can identify problems and concerns with a thorough examination of the structure and materials. While you can inspect it yourself, it’s better to contact a roofing professional to do the job for you. So, what do you look for when checking the roof?
For starters, check to see if the shingles are in place. If there are any missing, cracked, or warped shingles, replace them before storm season and winter weather arrive. You’ll also want to look for rusting or damaged flashing, issues with the gutters, and verify the roofline is straight and not sagging.
Inspect Your Home’s Interior
Signs of a damaged roof aren’t always apparent from the outside. When your roof needs maintenance, you may notice signs in the attic.
For instance, water damage or a musty smell in your attic can indicate the roof is leaking. Wet spots on your ceiling might signify a leaking roof. Insulation in the attic may be damp, and you may notice rot or mold growth on wooden components.
Roof Maintenance: Clean Your Gutters
Gutters may seem insignificant, but they’re a significant part of your roofing that protects the entire house from water damage. As a channel for rainwater and snowmelt, gutters often become clogged with debris, restricting water flow.
Clogged gutters allow water to overflow. When this happens, moisture will seep beneath the roofing materials and siding, causing leaks and water damage. As you clean the gutters, inspect them for damage such as rust, holes, and broken connections. Replace damaged or missing components.
Trim Overhanging Branches
One of the most significant hazards to your roof is overhanging branches and limbs. The risk is they can fall on your roof and cause damage, costing thousands of dollars to repair. Instead of putting it off, trim the overhanging branches to protect your roof. Branches are also the source of twigs and leaves that fall on your roof and end up in the gutters, so cutting them helps prevent gutter blockage.
Roof inspections are an excellent preventive measure to avoid extensive roof damage. If you notice damage call a roofing professional to make repairs and extend the lifespan of the roof.
Brick n’ Beam Home Inspections offers inspections to homebuyers and sellers in St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request our services.