Roof Maintenance
No one wants to pay for a new roof if they don’t have to. This leads many people to ask the question, “What can I do to maintain my roof ?” to reduce the cost of repairs and to prolong the need for a new roof as long as possible. Though no roof will last forever, there are certain steps you can take to maintain the integrity of the roof for the maximum amount of time. Here are the most important:
Get Regular Inspections and Needed Repairs by a Qualified Omaha Roofing Company
Storms and general wear and tear take their toll on your roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may or may not be able to see it. That’s why it’s important to have routine inspections from a qualified Omaha roofing company. We generally recommend customers get their roofs inspected after particularly heavy storms and each spring. We look for missing or damaged shingles, loose or missing flashing, stains on interior ceilings, leaks, cracks, and much more. This is a great way to have peace of mind that your roof is intact and able to keep your family and possessions safe. It’s also a way to address issues early when repairs are still possible.
Remove Moss and Mold
Moss and mold can build up during humid weather and tends to linger where there has been standing water. You can spray a moss remover and cleaner on the affected areas and hose it off to remove as much of it as possible, then brush the rest away with a broom or handheld brush. To prevent moss and mold from growing, make sure you remove debris as soon as possible and trim back any nearby trees that have overhanging branches.
Remove Loose Debris
Loose debris can accumulate on your roof and is common after a storm or during the fall season when leaves drop. To prevent as much debris as possible, you can trim back trees that have branches that hang over your roof. You should also remove any loose debris such as leaves and branches whenever you see it on your roof. If you don’t feel comfortable getting on your roof, you should hire a professional who can do the work for you.
Clean Gutters
Don’t neglect gutters when it comes to roof care! Clogged or damaged gutters can cause a lot of damage as they allow water to accumulate and get underneath the roofing structure. Make sure they are regular cleaned out and consider installing gutter guards. There are plenty of local professionals who specialize in gutter cleaning if you don’t feel comfortable getting on a ladder and doing it yourself.
Prevent Ice Dams
An ice dam occurs when ice builds up on the eaves of a sloped roof and is the result of melting snow under a snow pack reaching the eve and freezing there. This is common in Omaha and around the Midwest during the winter. The first defense against ice dams is a tightly sealed roof and adequate insulation. You can also try to remove the snow from your roof between storms by using a rake to dislodge snow within about four feet of gutters if possible. Leave any ice alone as prying it off can cause more damage.
No one wants to spend the money on a new roof if they can help it. The answer to “How can I maintain my roof ?” is a simple one. By taking the above preemptive measures, you can maintain the integrity of your roof for as long as possible. If you’d like a roof inspection by a professional Omaha roofing company, please reach out to Hometown Roofing. We’d love to help!
