Caring for your roof is one of the most important types of maintenance that you will need to do. Without the appropriate work being done, the roof will be far more vulnerable to becoming severely damaged. However, homeowners often fail to appreciate the full range of tasks that a roof demands.
Maintain Your Chimney
If your home has a chimney, you will need to make sure that you are regularly having it cleaned. When a chimney is allowed to become extremely dirty, the soot and ash that may be inside it can start to escape. Once it leaves the chimney, it will likely settle on the roof. This can have the effect of altering the color of the roof, and it may be acidic enough to degrade shingles, tiles and many other common roof coverings. In addition to keeping the chimney clean, you must also regularly inspect the flashing along the base of the chimney's exterior. The flashing is designed to prevent water from entering through the gap between the chimney and roof.
Eliminate Any Branches That Are Close To The Roof
Branches that hang over your roof can be another common source of damage. These branches can rub against the roof or they may even fall o nit, and this can contribute to major damage to the shingles or tiles. While you may like the look of the branches being over your roof, the only way to reduce this risk will be to have them cut down or otherwise trimmed away from the house. Homeowners should never attempt this type of work without professional help. In addition to being dangerous, it can also be easy to accidentally drop the branch on the house, which could cause extensive damage.
Promptly Repair Gutter Damage
Gutter damage will often go months or years before a homeowner decided to address it. Unfortunately, this can be enough time for significant water damage to occur to the roof and the sides of the home. One of the most common types of gutter damage will be failing seals between the sections of the gutter. This can allow water to leak out at the joints. Warping is another common type of gutter damage that often results from high winds, hail or other significant weather events. Lastly, any clogged outlets or gutters should be cleaned so that water can resume flowing through them. If the gutters are many years old and the damage to them is extensive, replacing them may be the most practical option for your home.
Contact a company like The Roof Doctor for more help.
Share