Collaborative Post¦ We often take the roofs on our home for granted. We don’t think about them too much, and we just let them get on with their job. However, when not maintained, damages could occur, and ultimately, the roof will need replacing at some point. A roof takes the brunt of all the weather, so it’s no surprise that it needs a little TLC from time to time. Without this maintenance, homeowners will have to start looking into the best Roof Installation Winona has to offer and think about replacing a damaged roof. There are some cases where a new roof is imperative, primarily if the current roof hasn’t been maintained in years and has created some safety issues. However, some simple maintenance steps can make any roof last far longer.
Clean the gutters
Gutters are designed to guide rain and stormwater away from the foundation of the home. When it rains, the rainwater runs down the roof, into the gutters, where it can then go down a drain and into a water system. This is great because the water is steered away from the home’s foundation, avoiding water damage. However, if gutters are not cleaned regularly, there can be a build-up of debris that can ultimately create some dam and collect water. Debris often consists of Moss, leaves and tree branches, and the gutters can quickly become clogged. This collection of water can then cause water damage on the roof and cause various leaks.
To avoid these problems, hire someone to clean your gutters on a semi-annual basis. The best time to clean is just after the winter, so usually towards the back end of February and then mid-autumn. Cleaning at the end of winter clears out any sludge that may have occurred from the cold weather, and cleaning mid-autumn can eliminate a significant number of leaves that have fallen. If you live somewhere surrounded by trees, you may need to clean your gutters more regularly but ask a professional to be sure.
Remove Moss or Ivy
Firstly, Moss and Ivy need water to prosper. If they can significantly grow on your roof, it means that’s there some sort of water source keeping them going, and this water source could be damaging your roof. Additionally, Moss traps water which can cause even more water damage. The last thing you want is for shingles to become soaked, break down, create a hole, and let in the elements.
Secondly, having plants growing on your roof could disrupt the roof’s structural integrity, making it weak. Although it would take a significant amount of weight to do this, it’s still possible. This means the chances of holes occurring or collapses taking place significantly increases, which is not ideal. Thankfully, you can easily get rid of Moss and Ivy by cutting them down and sweeping them. Moss will come off with a few sweeps, especially if caught early, and Ivy can be easily cut with some garden shears.
Fortify the roof
Fortifying your roof isn’t essential, which is why it’s not something that everyone has, but if you live in an area prone to extreme elements, it might be something you’d like to consider. A roofing professional such as the roofer here will seal the roof with an industrial sealant and then use specialised nails to secure the roof. The nails are ribbed, giving them extra grip, and they stop the wind from getting underneath the shingles and lifting them. Finally, metal flashing will be used to secure its edges. With this fortifying process, the roof is far more secure than ever before, prolonging its lifetime.
By maintaining the roof, you can prolong its lifetime with ease. Plus, this maintenance will improve the property’s curb appeal too.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.