As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to keep your property in good condition for as long as possible. Your roof, in particular, should be properly cared for and maintained if you want your home to stay safe and protected from the weather elements. If you want to properly maintain your roof this year, roofing and window contractor Villwell Builders, LLC has shared some useful tips to follow:
Prioritize Your Safety When Maintaining Your Roof
When it comes to roof maintenance, you should always prioritize your safety. If you don’t take precautions, anything that may happen unexpectedly could put you in the hospital or worse. You also shouldn’t meddle with your roof while it’s raining or covered with ice and snow just to find the origin of your leak. A temporary fix is never meant to be treated as something permanent for your roof either, so if you want to do it right, you need to take your time and wait until the weather conditions are favorable to check your roof properly.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
Inspecting the roof of your home can be as simple as taking a look at the roof from the ground and checking for any damage such as broken shingles or missing tiles. However, there will always be some damage that won’t be immediately visible to someone who doesn’t have experience in the field.
Sometimes, roof leaks are caused by faulty shingles that have already begun to crack after they’ve been nailed down. Faulty installation with nails and shingles can also play a big part in leaks; for instance, nails could be hammered too low and it will start pushing back up. This is why you should hire a trusted roofing and window contractor instead, since they have the experience needed for a thorough inspection. This should also be done at least twice a year to ensure your roof stays in its best condition.
Avoid Dry Rot
When you have dry rot within your roof, it isn’t caused by water damage, but by lack of ventilation. For instance, if you need repairs right in the middle of the roof, there may be a chance that the plywood might be deteriorating. The roof will actually sag in and cause the roof shingles to get brittle, crack and leak.
To prevent dry rot, you’ll need to have a ridge vent installed by a trusted roofing and building renovation contractor, but it will only be effective if you also have a soffit vent. Holes have to be drilled through the soffit vents so cool air comes in through the bottom and pushes the hot air out through the top.
Address All Your Roofing Issues
This includes even the minor problems spotted during your roofing inspection! This new year, make it a priority to address all your roof repairs as early as possible, even if they’re relatively minor. Some of the major roofing damage actually starts from small but often neglected issues, such as loose shingles and damaged flashing. It isn’t advisable to put off the needed roof repairs; it will only lead to more costs later on.
Always Keep Your Roof Clean
Your roofing system protects your home from the weather, so it shouldn’t always collect fallen leaves and small branches. Even a roof that’s recently installed by a roofing and building renovation contractor will eventually start to look dirty when moss, algae or even weeds are beginning to grow on the surface. These may not cause damage at an early stage, but over time will cause shingles to deteriorate.
To keep your roof free of leaves and small debris, make sure to trim overhanging branches. Doing this also prevents the branches from damaging your roof. You also need to clean your gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris every other season to ensure proper drainage. You should also wash your roof from time to time, and this can be done by applying a 50% mix of water and bleach and spraying it all over the ceiling or where the plant-like critters are growing.
Keeping your roof clean will ensure your home’s safety and security for years to come. But if you find the cleaning part a bit tedious to do by yourself, just call in a trusted professional to get the job done. It helps to rely on reputable roofers who can clean and maintain your roof, so you’ll be assured that it will last for many years to come.
Look For Leaks in Your Attic and Ceilings
An unhealthy roof shows when you see water stains on ceilings or attics. It’s also a sign of water damage which can be costly unless addressed immediately. You’ll need to look for spots on your ceiling and water stains on exterior walls, as well as a damp and musty odor in the rooms of your home. For a more thorough inspection, call in your trusted roof and window replacement contractor to do it for you.
Check Your Flashing, Valleys and Chimney
Your roof’s flashing and skylights are all obvious places for potential leaks. You’ll also need to check your roof’s valleys; they’re common places for leaks since that’s where the water from the entire roof goes. If you have a chimney, make sure to check the flashing around its entire structure as well; deterioration over time can damage the roof surface near it.
As the damage grows, your chimney will be more susceptible to collapse. This is a risk that’s too dangerous for your entire home and family members, so if you find any cracks on your chimney or around it, you can try doing it yourself by patching them up. However, you need to take a few precautions first. That means using a safety harness, non-slip boots, gloves and other safety gears. You’ll also need a spotter especially when you’re working with a ladder; just ask a family member, neighbor or a close friend to help you out.
If you don’t have the experience or don’t want to risk going up the roof by yourself, it’s usually better to call in a professional to make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. So, when it comes to excellent roof and window replacement, don’t hesitate to hire Villwell Builders, LLC. You can reach us by calling (475) 271-1242 or filling out our convenient contact form. Talk to us today!
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