Your roof is your home’s first protection from the elements. It is what keeps you warm and cozy in the winter and comfortable and cool in the summer. And yet, it is easy to forget about. Roofs aren’t cheap, and you want yours to last. To keep your roof going strong for decades, it needs you to pay attention to it. Here are three ways to prevent issues with your roof.
Fix Broken Shingles
A roof’s shingles are its first and foremost layer of protection. Beneath the shingles is a thin layer called the underlayment, and under that is the decking–typically plywood or wooden planks. When a shingle breaks, cracks, or falls off, your roof is left open to leaking the next time it rains. It is critical to have broken shingles replaced or fixed as soon as you notice them.
Keep Your Gutters Functional
Your gutters are an important part of your roof. They allow water to drain and flow in the appropriate direction. When your gutters are full of debris or otherwise not functional, water will pool on your roof when it rains, leading to leaks and water damage. Gutters should be cleaned out at least twice per year. You may need to clean them more, depending on the trees that surround your home. Also, inspect your gutters regularly. Cracks or splits in your gutters are a sign you need to replace them.
Have Your Roof Inspected
As important as it is to replace broken shingles and maintain your gutters, it is difficult to know how your roof is doing without getting up there. Because walking around your roof is so dangerous, it is best to leave that to the professionals. Therefore, it is recommended to have a professional roof inspection as needed. This will depend on several factors. First is the age of your roof. Once your roof hits 10 years, it is a good idea to have it inspected yearly. Second is the number of trees that surround your home. If you don’t have any trees nearby, you should get your roof inspected every 5 years. If your roof is exposed to lots of trees, consider getting an inspection every 2 years. In addition to these regular inspections, you should also consider getting a roof inspection after major weather events, such as hail or high winds.
Depending on the materials, your roof should last you from 20 to over 50 years. However, this depends on how well you take care of it. For your roof to continue protecting you and your family for decades to come, be sure to give it the care and attention it deserves!
Check out this article on other simple ways to make your home look better!