Charles bought his dream home seven years ago, and a leaky roof was the least of his worries. Suddenly, a light rain in his home residence revealed multiple leaks from the roof.
He got roof inspectors to check the extent of damage, and the results were shocking.
Little did Charles know that the roof had been destroyed by mosses and debris. Now, he needs a complete overhaul of his roof, which would cost him nothing less than £6,500 ($8000).
In this article, you’ll learn how to not be like Charles with our simple and cost-efficient roof maintenance tips.
Let’s get into it! Here are 5 practical tips to preserve the lifespan of your roof:
1. Ensure Regular Inspection
One of the surest ways to prevent severe damage to your roof is to notice it early on.
A quick look at your roof using binoculars like these low-priced options is safe and effective for inspecting your roof without climbing. Check for roof tiles or shingles that are missing or cracked.
You’ll have to use a ladder if you can’t get a good view. If that’s the case, ensure it’s well-positioned and extends about 5 feet over the roof. At the top, check the gutter for bird nests and debris.
Alternatively, you can hire professional roof inspectors yearly or bi-annually. They’ll get the job done faster — probably save you a broken foot — and fix any minor issues immediately. This way, you can prevent secondary damages and save money in the long run.
2. Keep the Gutters Clean
Gutters might appear like they won’t cause damage to your roof. But, unfortunately, that can’t be further from the truth.
The constant flow of water through gutters stimulates the growth of mosses and plants on your roof. This may cause water to clog up the drain and weaken the roofing material.
Cleaning your gutters is a no-brainer to prevent this situation. You can clean your gutter from the ground or on a ladder with ease. Try to carry out this chore every other month, seasonally, or as soon as you notice excess debris.
3. Trim Surrounding Trees
Shrubs and trees beautify your property but can be disastrous if you give them the chance. For instance, a branch may come crashing down when you leave a tree to grow carelessly over your roof.
So, if you have trees you don’t want to cut down, trimming away from the roof is necessary. A quality pole saw can make the task less stressful.
4. Check Loft Ventilation
The loft is the closest room to your roof. So, you should take the slightest form of moisture damage in there seriously. You can also check through the boards for daylight peeking and water stains. Stains on the board would imply that the roof is leaking.
Another way to extend your roof’s lifespan is to ensure the loft vents are in good condition. Some evidence of a malfunctioning vent comprises a humid, warm attic air accompanied by damp, mildew and mould.
Notice any malfunction or water damage? It’s best to contact a reputable roofing company rather than handle it DIY.
5. Prevent Moss Growth
You can find moss anywhere so long there’s exposure to the sun and moisture. A roof has the perfect environment for moss to grow. If your house is near several trees in a tropical or wet climate, you risk having abundant moss growth on your roof. This can destroy the roofing material and cause leaks.
You can remove moss by using environmentally safe pesticides. You can also clean them off with a scrub and a bucket of water.
Conclusion
The roof is a crucial component of every home, protecting you, your family, and your belongings. Not to mention it beautifies the house.
But more importantly, it costs a truckload to repair a roof. So, it’s smarter to maintain it properly.
We’ve touched on five practical and effortless ways to elongate the lifespan of your roof. You’d be surprised by the damages you might unearth with a quick inspection. It’s your chance to stop it in its tracks before it becomes a major issue.
Go and get it done!
