A new roof is a big investment. Regular roof maintenance will extend the life of your roof. You want that roof to have a long and serviceable life spent protecting your home and family.
Whether your roof is at the beginning or end of its life span, it’s important to keep it in tip-top shape so that it will last as long as possible. You can do this by routinely performing simple maintenance. This could save you thousands in the long run by preventing early roof replacement and costly roof and gutter repairs.
Maintaining clean gutters will extend the life of your roof
Gutters tend to be out of sight, out of mind for many homeowners. They don’t realize the amount of damage that can be done by layer of leaves blocking the gutter flow. Backed-up water seeps under the shingles and leaks into the interior. It can also cause damage to the exterior of your home as well as the foundation. Regularly cleaning the accumulated leaves and debris out of your gutters isn’t a pleasant task. But it is a necessary one if you want to avoid unnecessary damage and repairs.
Keep tabs on the trees
Branches hanging low over your roof are hazardous for several reasons. An overhanging branch could easily fall onto your roof during a severe storm. Heavy ice and snow can weigh down branches.
Branches can also rub against the roof, dislodging the protective granules from your shingles. In addition, they provide rodents and other pests with ready access to your roof. From there, they will cause damage by gnawing or nesting.
All of these issues can easily be avoided by having a professional safely trim back all branches near your roof by at least 10 feet.
Avoid ice dams
When your home isn’t properly insulated, warm interior air can rise up through the roof in the winter. This will cause any snow on your roof to melt and refreeze at the edge of your roof. This will form damaging ice dams.
Having the right amount of insulation in your attic will prevent this from happening. It’s also a good idea to carefully clear off heavy snow and dislodge any ice within three or four feet of your gutters.
Walk the perimeter of your home
One of the simplest things you can do to extend the life of your roof is to stay abreast of its condition. Take a few minutes periodically to walk around the perimeter of your home. Perform a visual inspection of the roof from ground level, particularly after strong storms.
Keep an eye out for missing shingles. Make note of excess shingle granules. Look for damaged gutters and loose gutter brackets. For a closer inspection, use a pair of binoculars. Examine the roof flashing for damage and check for curled, cracked, or missing shingles.
Get help from the pros to extend the life of your roof
A roof replacement costs thousands of dollars. It’s something you want to avoid as long as possible. By diligently performing regular roof maintenance, you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs and premature roof replacement.
Need the best roofing available in Columbus, OH, and surrounding communities? We’re the roofer who wants to earn your business. Call Muth & Company Roofing today at (614) 882-0900 for a FREE estimate, or fill out our contact form.