Your roof is your main protection against the elements. It is also the most important factor in keeping the heat inside your home during the cold winter days. Therefore it goes without saying that it needs to be maintained properly and on a regular basis. A leaky roof is a common issue for homeowners, and it is best to hire professionals to fix this problem for you, because it requires some investigation to find out how the water is getting into your home. In this article we are going to discuss 5 roof maintenance tips that will help you protect your household.
Clean the gutters
You need to keep in mind that gutters do an essential job for your roof. Debris that can gather in there can be a big issue, especially during the winter. If the gutters are clogged, they are unable to properly drain the water that comes from melting of snow and ice. The water that remains there will freeze during the night, and the ice will hold moisture around your household. Furthermore, this is bound to damage the foundations. Next to making sure that the gutters are clean, you should make sure they are properly installed and fastened, so that they can do their job.
Do proper insulation
In order to make sure that your house is in right state during the entire year, you need to properly insulate your attic. The idea is to get the temperature that your house and the attic exchange to a minimum. Your attic floor needs to be covered with good insulation, so that it doesn’t allow any air to get in between. Without proper insulation, water will condensate and cause damage to the bottom side of the roof. It is a good idea to add a vapor retarder under the insulation for better protection.
Check possible leak sources
There are various locations that can be the source of roof leaks. The most common one are chimneys, so you need to get them checked first. Make sure that the flashing is proper, and evaluate whether the chimney needs to be sealed. Skylights are the second step, because water tends to get stuck behind them. Check them for leaks and examine the flashing. Finally, you need to take a look at your vents. Check whether they are in good shape, and if they require a new coat of paint. You could also take a look at your cable and satellite.
Take care of moss
Moss on your roof is an issue because it can cause various kinds of damage to your shingles, from pitting to growing underneath them and lifting them up. You can either scrub the moss off, or if necessary, use some of the commercial cleaning solutions for the problem. Trim the trees so that they don’t form shades on your roof, which are the perfect spot for moss to grow. This issue may require multiple treatments, as it tends to come back.
Make sure your roof is inspected annually
Time has a toll on everything, so it goes without saying that it does the same for your roof. ASAP roof painting Sydney based experts suggest that you should check your roof on a yearly basis in order to make sure that it’s in proper shape. It is important to take care of issues early, because the more time passes by, the more damage will your roof sustain. Spring is the best time to check your roof, so use this period to look for any problems. Hiring a professional may be a good idea.
In summation
You must do put effort into keeping your roof in shape, so that it protects your home to the best of its ability. Do a yearly inspection to check for potential leak spots, moss, damaged shingles, and other issues. Properly insulate your attic, and make sure to stay ahead of any potential issues before they grow.
Author bio: Steven Clarke is business consultant and a DIY enthusiast. In his spare time, he likes to write about his ideas and share them with the world. Steven I a regular contributor to several websites.
