Your roof is a very important, not to mention very expensive, part of your house. Not only does it keep all of the elements out, it’s what traps heat, air conditioning, and makes a home an actual shelter. It’s often the last thing you want to deal with because it’s an inconvenience, expensive, and a major repair could put you out of your home for a time. We’ve put together a list of 4 things you can do to prevent major roof damage and save yourself a lot of time and money in the process.
Clean Gutters
It might be the worst task of the fall, but cleaning your gutters is essential to the health of your home and your roof. You know that clogged gutters can mean water damage for your foundation and exterior paint, but were you aware that they can also damage your roof? Clogged gutters can allow water to seep into the roof, which can breed moisture, mold, and even rot. Even though it seems daunting, make sure you get out there once a year and clean those gutters.
Remove Leaves
If you live in the woods, you know that autumn means a lot of raking. But this raking shouldn’t be confined just to your yard. If your roof allows a lot of leaves to build up and stay, you might consider brushing or spraying the leaves off with a rake, a leaf blower, or a hose. Leaves act as an insulator and hold in moisture, which can in turn create a wonderful environment for pesky weeds and mold – neither of which are things you want on your roof.
Trim Overhanging Branches
One of the best ways to extend the life of your roof is to prevent any kind of damage from occurring in the first place. To do this, make sure there are no overhanging branches in the vicinity of your home. Not only can broken limbs and twigs abrade your roof, pull up shingles, and create leaks, overhanging branches provide access for rodents and small animals to get onto your roof and into your home. They can also gnaw on the siding as well as the roof itself. To deter these critters, make sure all limbs are at least 10 feet from your house. This will also help you avoid leaf buildup on your roof.
Fix Minor Damages as They Occur
The biggest thing to remember is to fix things as you go. After each heavy storm or rainfall, make sure to check your roof for missing shingles, curled up edges, or signs of any sort of damage. The quicker you get to minor problems, the less likely they are to develop into major issues. If you stay on top of these sorts of damages, your roof is sure to live a long and healthy life.
Let us check your roof for you, for free! Get a Free Roof Inspection from our trained professionals at Werner Roofing. Call us at (616) 844-5382 or visit our website to schedule a call back!
