Whether you have just bought your first home or have been a homeowner for a number of years, you’re undoubtedly interested in finding ways to keep your investment trouble-free and looking good for as many years as possible. Apple Roof Cleaning told us, “Proper home maintenance begins at the top, so taking proper care of your roof will go a long ways toward keeping your home in prime condition and preventing expensive repair and replacement costs. The following are five things that you can do to keep the roof on your house functioning at an optimal level.”
Keep it Moss-Free
Although some people believe that moss on a roof provides a picturesque and charming look, it actually causes significant harm to all roofing materials, although it’s most damaging to wooden shingles. Because moss traps water, it contributes to conditions that can cause wooden shingles to rot, eventually leading to leaks that require costly repairs. The key to keeping moss in check is to catch it in its early stages and sweep it off before it has a chance to seriously take hold on the surface of your roof. Washing to roof on a regular basis with a combination of mild detergent and warm water also helps keep moss in check, but be sure to do this on the morning of a warm day to allow the water time to evaporate.
Keep it Clear of Fallen Leaves
Fallen leaves are another culprit that creates conditions that cause roofs to easily fall into disrepair. Like moss, leaves harbor moisture that can harm the surface of the roof in ways that lead to leaks. Along with keeping roofs swept clear of leaves, it’s also important to keep the gutters clear of them so that rainwater can run off the roof easily. Clogged gutters create sodden conditions that result in substantial water damage to roofs.
Keep the Snow Off
If you live in an area that receives significant snowfall, it will be important for you to keep your roof clear of accumulated snow. This is easier if you have a sharply slanted roof. If your roof is flat or only gently sloped, however, your roof will need substantial snow removal during winter in order to keep it in good shape. Using a roof rake to dislodge snow from your roof is advised rather than going up onto the roof itself and using a standard snow shovel. Hiring a professional snow removal service may be a good option if you don’t care to perform this difficult chore yourself.
Keeping your attic well-insulated will also reduce the risk of the development of ice jams on the surface of your roof.
Keep Vegetation Trimmed Back
One of the quickest ways to get a dirty roof is to allow tree branches to overhang it. Overhanging tree branches cause all manner of problems — from honeydew produced by aphid colonies to accumulations of tree sap. You can circumvent many problems by keeping tree branches trimmed back so that they don’t overhang the roof. Besides creating cleanliness issues, overhanging tree branches can be a serious safety hazard, especially if you live in an area that experiences high winds or heavy rainstorms on a seasonal basis.
A roof that is well-cared for can last a lot longer than one that is neglected, and the investment is time and money is well worth it considering the costs associated with roof repairs and replacements. The key to good roof maintenance is keeping conditions at bay that cause moisture, because moisture is the main enemy of any roof.
