Your roof is a crucial part of your home safety and protection from the elements. You can keep your roof in good condition with a little bit of maintenance.
Trimming trees near your house, inspecting the flashing, cleaning the gutters and removing moss and algae are some of the key things you should do to sustain your roof. Taking care of these simple tasks can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road.
We cover important tips and techniques for maintaining your roof, brought to you by Lone Star Roofing. From simple inspections to larger repairs our portfolio on lone star roofing can help keep your roof in top shape.
Inspect the Flashing
Whether you have a metal or shingle roof flashing is an essential part of your home structure. Its designed to prevent water from seeping in and causing both cosmetic and structural damage.
Inspecting the flashing can be a great way to identify areas of your roof that are at risk for leaks and make sure its in good working order before winter look for cracks, warped metal or rust.
This flashing is installed at the seam between a shingle roof and siding or over horizontal trim to ensure that water does not run into the house.
Another important flashing is kick out flashing which is used at the edges of a house where shingles meet walls. This flashing diverts water away from the wall into gutters and away from the house.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are a critical part of the roof system they divert water from the roof reducing potential damage to the siding windows and other areas of the home.
The gutters need to be cleaned at least once a year and more often after heavy storms. Leaves and other debris can clog the gutters preventing rainwater from flowing away properly.
Cleaning the gutters requires a ladder and appropriate safety gear. Its best to use a sturdy extendable ladder on a stable base.
Once the gutters are clean flush them with a garden hose to remove any remaining debris. You should also check the downspouts for clogs and make sure they’re draining properly.
Trim Trees Near the House
Trees surrounding a house can be beautiful and provide shade but they can also become a hazard. When they grow too close their roots can destroy your foundation and their limbs can fall on the roof and cause damage to the exterior of your home.
You can trim trees near the house to prevent some of these hazards and make your home more safe. However, trimming a tree requires knowledge of the specific type and species of tree in your yard.
Trim branches that are growing too close to the trunk of the tree. This can reduce the height of the canopy and create a more open space beneath it.
Remove branches that are obstructing your walkway or threatening your telephone wires, your gutters or your roof. These can be trimmed as small branches or cut off entirely.
Remove Moss and Algae
If you notice moss or algae growing on your roof its important to get rid of them right away. The growth of these organisms can cause a lot of damage to your roof and the rest of your home’s exterior surfaces.
Algae is a type of plant that can cause dark streaks on your roof. It thrives on a cool, damp environment, and its spread by airborne spores from wind and birds.
It also likes to grow on roofs that are shaded by trees or other garden features. If you want to prevent moss and algae from developing on your roof consider trimming trees or moving these features as well as installing algae-resistant shingles.
Once moss and algae have established themselves on your roof it can be difficult to remove. This is because it can soak up moisture and retain it which will accelerate rot in your roofs lower layers. This water can penetrate the interior of your home and damage it.