Roof maintenance is one of the most important outdoor tasks you need to do before winter checks in earnest. This is in order to avoid serious damage that can be brought about by the extreme cold on your roof. Have a look at the following five roof maintenance tasks you need to get done to ensure the continued good state of your roof.
Trim Trees Near Your House
If your home is surrounded by large trees that have extended branches or that lean over your roof, this is the time to prune them. Doing this will not only keep your trees in good health but will also ensure that no branches and leaves are deposited on your roof as they fall off the trees. This debris can lead to issues like blockages, termite invasions, mold, and more. With the weather about to change, it’s a good time to get your trees in good shape so that your roof is in good condition by extension.
Have the Roof Inspected
Call in a professional roof contractor and have them inspect your roof for damage. With more than 50,000 establishments currently engaged in installing roofing, siding, and sheet metal work at a total value of $31.4 billion, you will have an easy time finding someone to work on your roof if any damage is found on inspection. This is an important step to take because inspecting the roof yourself may see you miss a few things that a professional will catch, so ensure you do this for the good health of your roof.
Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters serve the important purpose of directing runoff water into a drain, away from your house’s foundation and driveway. This makes it crucial to make sure your gutters are clear of debris and working as they should. Inspect your gutters thoroughly before winter arrives and clean up the leaves and twigs that have no doubt collected over the months, and you can spend the winter with peace of mind knowing that there’s no issue with your gutters.
Replace Broken, Worn, and Lost Asphalt Shingles
If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, it’s advisable to inspect it thoroughly for any signs of wear. These include missing shingles, cracked and broken ones, and even those damaged by extreme weather and have bald spots or warps and curls at their edges. The total volume of roofing projects in North America is made up of roof replacements at 94% and 91% of the value. This shows that a large number of homeowners see the importance of keeping your roof in great shape, replacing it when necessary.
Check the Attic
Your attic needs to be well-insulated and have uncovered vents to avoid ice dams forming on your roof in winter. Also, ensure that there is no plant matter and other debris in the ridge and vents that can clog them. Check for rodents and other pests as well, which can create holes in your roof, leaving you with a big financial burden to bear when fixing them. Good insulation in your attic is important to help keep the warm air indoors during the cold winter, something that will directly affect the health of your family. If there are any repairs that need to be done, don’t take any more time than is necessary to work on them.
Go over this checklist and ensure that you do the tasks outlined in order to have a great roof for a long time to come. Doing this will leave you with enough peace of mind to enjoy the winter and all the holidays that come in this season.
