Your roof is one of the most essential aspects of your home. It offers protection from the elements and stability to your structure. While your roof will have a limited lifespan of around 20 to 25 years if you have a traditionally English clay slate roof, it is longer if you have a roof made of other materials, such as metal; this lifespan can be shortened drastically if you don’t care for your roof.
As a homeowner, you hold the key to maintaining your roof’s health and longevity, despite its perceived inaccessibility. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your roof’s ability to protect your home from the elements, empowering yourself with the knowledge and tools to do so.
Regardless of the materials or size of your roof, these tips can help you care for it effectively.
Regular Inspections
Regular inspections are a proactive measure that can help you stay in control of your roof’s health. You should inspect your roof at least once per year with a visual check, ideally two to three times per year in the right seasons. Before and after winter are perfect times to inspect your roof visually. If you can, you can do this from ground level using drone technology to help you get a good view of your roof, or you can use a ladder to access the roof and check things out if it’s safe to do so. Alternatively, you can access your loft space and see if you can see any visible signs of internal damage. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can book a roofing company to do it on your behalf.
You want to look for damaged or missing tiles or loose materials of any other kind, such as guttering. Look for signs of debris buildup, sagging in your roof structure, clogged gutters, or any other sign that your roof needs some TLC. From here, you can book a roof repair if required or a complete roof replacement if your roof is no longer fit for purpose.
Check for Overhanging Trees
Overhanging trees can pose a huge problem for roofs. As the branches come into contact with your roof, they can cause damage as they move around with the weather; animals and birds frequenting the trees can access your roof and cause damage, and leaves and branches that come away from the tree can cause buildup, which can clog gutters, etc.
But caring for overhanging trees to keep them from causing damage or limiting damage can reduce the risk of your roof sustaining damage from the tree and keep both in good health.
Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters regularly is a proactive step that can help you maintain your roof’s health. Your gutters perform essential tasks each and every day. They direct water away from the building and deposit it in a specific place to be controlled so it doesn’t cause damage to your home. This method of water runoff is vital, and if the water has nowhere else to go, it will likely accumulate on your roof or around your foundations. Regular cleaning can not only remove obstacles that can cause water to pool in areas and cause damage but also help you identify any damage that can allow water to penetrate your roof or your building.
