Your roof is built to be very sturdy – it needs to withstand years and years of everything that the elements have to throw at it. In the northern parts of the country, that includes a lot of snow, in hurricane-prone areas, it is the excessive rain, in the south-east it is the extreme heat.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t help your roof weather those challenges. We asked home inspection experts at the Home Inspectors Company of San Diego to tell us some of the ways you can ensure that your roof lasts for a long time.
Have the Shingles Inspected
If you want to assess the state of your roof, your best bet is to have a home inspector come over and do a detailed analysis. However, if you don’t want to do that, you yourself can be of some help, too. Even though you aren’t qualified for a detailed and professional analysis, you can still be able to spot some problems.
Climb on your roof at least once a year, and check the shingles for any signs of physical damage or misalignment. If you notice any problems, consulting a roofer sooner rather than later is a good idea. The small damage on your roof can escalate to a major damage to your whole house.
Another thing to consider while inspecting shingles is to see if they are chipped or pealing. The strong UV light can physically damage your shingles. So even if they are not broken or missing, sun-damaged shingles are much more porous and prone to water damage. Finding bits of shingle in your gutters or in your drains might be an indicator that your roof needs better UV protection.
Remove Debris from the Roof and the Gutters
While you’re on your roof checking for damaged shingles, that might be the best time to clean any debris like leaves and small branches from your roof. They tend to collect around openings on your roof or on the joints where two sides of your roof meet.
Even though it may seem minor, a clump of wet leaves and branches can cause a lot of damage. Not only does it wear down the shingles under it, but also obstructs the path for water to drain down your roof, further increasing the chance of water damage.
And speaking of proper drainage, your gutters might need help from time to time, too. Check the stet of your gutters at least once a season, especially if there are a lot of broadleaf trees around. Cleaning the gutters enables them to perform their regular function and diverts the water away from your house and the foundations.
Roof Openings Deserve Special Attention
If your roof has any kind of openings on it, such as vents or a chimney, or even a skylight, these areas deserve special attention. This is where the uniformity of the roof is broken and where damage can occur much more easily.
The sealant that is used in these areas can wear off over time, and small leaks can spring. If those leaks are not detected at an early stage, they can cause quite a lot of damage before they are discovered.
Even though it may seem as labor intensive, a cursory inspection of your roof and the simplest maintenance that anyone can perform really does make a difference. Take the time to care for your roof. If, however, you are not feeling up to the task, there are plenty of roofing companies that offer a variety of services.
