How to Take Care of Your Roof: Essential Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Just moved into a new property, or recently replaced your roof? You’ll want to do everything possible to expand its lifespan, so you don’t have to cough up for a new roof or major roof repairs for many years or even decades.
The good news is that there are plenty of simple things you can do to keep your roof in great shape.
Read on for handy tips on roof maintenance, including a number of easy steps you can take yourself – without needing to call in the professionals.
7 Maintenance Tips to Expand the Lifespan of Your Roof
1. Clean Your Gutters Regularly
A clogged gutter can cause leaks and water penetration, as the rainwater simply has nowhere else to go. It doesn’t take long to clean out the leaves, dirt and other debris which can clog gutters, and for single-storey buildings, you can even do it yourself. For taller homes though, it’s recommended to use the services of a professional roofer or gutter cleaning service.
Gutter cleaning is a job that should be done at least once a year, if not more frequently if you live in a leafy area with plenty of trees. Spring and autumn are good times to do it – if in autumn, make sure to wait until all the leaves have fallen.
2. Do Regular Checks in the Attic
This is a really easy one – simply pop your head in the attic a few times a year, just to check that everything seems ok in there.
Look for:
- Any signs or smells of damp
- Wet patches or water droplets on beams
- Signs of condensation
- Light coming through from outside – this could indicate a slipped tile or slate.
If you spot any problems, call a roof repair specialist to take a look.
3. Trim Overhanging Trees
Tree branches can cause damage to your roof over time. They can wear away the tiles, slates, or shingles, as well as causing more serious damage if they fall. So, it’s best to keep them in check. Prune and trim large trees close to the house, making sure the branches no longer touch the roof.
4. Keep an Eye on Moss Growth – and Have it Cleaned Away Regularly
Moss on your roof may seem harmless, and can even look quite charming. But it can actually retain a lot of moisture – and you don’t want that wet weight sitting on your roof, waiting to seep through to inside.
Moss cleaning services are widely available, and it shouldn’t be too difficult or expensive to arrange.
5. Replace Broken or Missing Tiles
Don’t avoid replacing a roof tile if it’s cracked, damaged, slipped, or missing altogether. It can let in water, which can rot your roof timbers and cause staining on your ceilings in the case of more serious leaks. Get them replaced as soon as you notice a problem.
6. Book in Professional Roof Inspections
It’s easy to forget about your roof, until of course an issue emerges and it’s too late to take preventative measures. For your peace of mind, it could be a good idea to book in regular roof inspections every year or every two years. This will flag up any easy-to-fix minor problems and set them right before they develop into anything more serious.
7. Arrange Roof Repairs ASAP – Don’t Put it Off!
We’ve already touched on this, but it really is important. If you spot any issues with your roof, don’t delay getting them seen to by a professional. No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on home maintenance, but taking action early could save you a lot more money further down the line.