Having to repair or replace your roof unexpectedly can hit your wallet pretty hard. It’s a significant expense for any homeowner to absorb, but if your roof is maintained correctly, it could last for up to 30 years. Maintaining your roof is key to extending the life of it, and annual inspections, cleanings, and minor repairs before they become serious will impact dramatically on how long your roof lasts.
Here are some tips to ensure your roof is maintained correctly.
1 . Book a regular roof inspection
Observing changes to the condition of your roof and keeping an eye out for damage is easy for any homeowner to do. If your town has experienced a significant storm, you should inspect the roof for damage or look at the perimeter of the house to see if any tiles have fallen. You also want to look for signs of pest infestations, missing tiles and indicators of rust or algae growth regularly. Hiring a professional roofing contractor to do this annually will be necessary if you want to retain the validity of the roof warranty.
2 . Keep foliage trimmed
Tree limbs that hang down over your roof, or touch it, can be dangerous. A broken branch could fall on your roof and cause considerable damage, but they can also wear down tiles. They also allow possums, squirrels, and other pests to access your roof with ease. You may not think a tree is close enough to cause an issue, but tree limbs are flexible and can swing many meters in high wind conditions.
3 . Keep your roof clear of debris
Leaves, small branches and sticks can damage your roof but also facilitate the growth of algae and wood rot. This is more than enough reason to ensure your roof is cleared of debris regularly. It’s a good idea to have your roof professionally cleaned at the same time you are having your trees trimmed so the debris is cleaned simultaneously.
While you’re up there, keep your gutters clear, particularly during autumn. When they become dammed with water, they will overflow and lead to damage on your roof. You need to ensure moisture can escape efficiently. When you’re clearing gutters, use the opportunity to check for gaps in the seam and confirm the brackets haven’t come loose.
4 . Keep up repairs
Seals, joints, and flashing are the spots at most risk for leaks and therefore need to be regularly checked for damage. Flashing covers entry points into your roof such as the vents and the chimney. Look for punctures, bending or dry and loose sealant when you inspect it. It’s also wise to invest in a roof repair immediately if you have a leak. You want to prevent it from becoming an even bigger problem. Roof repair will become more expensive, the longer you wait to fix it. Look out for warning signs of potential damage. This includes hail, rodents in your roof, leaking, or fallen tiles. Any signs of small animals or live termites in your roof need to be addressed immediately as they can cause damage to your home structures.
Other top tips:
- Choose your roof insulation wisely. Picking efficient insulation for your attic can help prevent a roof from warping.
- Avoid walking on your roof. There are times you can’t avoid walking on your roof but don’t make it a habit. You can damage tiles very easily by walking on them, even for short periods.
- Don’t power wash your roof. There are benefits to power washing as it removes debris and algae, which is vital for the overall maintenance of your roof. But it needs to be performed by a professional as it can also damage your roof.
With regular maintenance, you can enjoy years of value from your roof. This strategy will save you thousands of dollars by avoiding roof replacement, and it will ensure your home’s value is secured for years to come.
