Your roof is built to provide reliable weather protection. Still, it requires regular and proper upkeep to ensure it looks its best and continues to perform its intended function. To help you maintain a durable and long-lasting roofing system, follow these essential steps:
1. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Ideally, you’ll want your roof inspected at least twice a year — one in spring and another in fall. Be sure to work with a trusted professional contractor who can check your roof thoroughly and identify issues that can compromise its integrity and performance. Timely detection of issues means repairs are done promptly, lessening your worries that the issues may become worse.
2. Maintain Your Gutters
Your gutter system is an extension of your roof, which means it should be given the same level of care and attention. Clogged gutters, after all, prevent water runoff from being drained away from your property. Instead, it backs up and seeps through the fascia board and the roof’s underside, exposing these areas to the threat of water damage and its consequences, including mold growth and rot. Making sure the gutters are free of clogs, therefore, should be an integral part of your home maintenance.
3. Trim Back Trees
Another way to ensure your roof’s durability is to protect it from overhanging tree branches. They sway with the wind at any given time, and when they scrape against your roof, shingle damage may occur. This, in turn, creates entry points for moisture to enter. There’s also the possibility of branches falling directly on your roof, especially during storms. Make it a point to trim back trees when their branches start growing near your home. The distance of the tree branches from the roof should be between six to 10 feet.
4. Repair Missing or Damaged Shingles Promptly
Missing or damaged shingles expose your roof to potential leaks and water damage. As soon as you notice any of them during your visual inspection, get in touch with your local roofing company as soon as possible. This is especially important right after a severe storm has passed. Expect the pros to replace cracked, curled, or loose shingles to restore your roof’s structural integrity and weather protection.
5. Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation and Insulation
The health of your roofing system hinges on how adequate the attic’s ventilation and insulation are. The right amount of intake and exhaust vents can help minimize heat and moisture accumulation, protecting your shingles and the rest of the roof components to deterioration. Sufficient insulation, meanwhile, helps in regulating temperature and preventing ice dams from forming during winter.
For your roofing and gutter needs, turn to Howard Roofing & Home Improvements. Count on our team to provide exceptional products and services backed by extensive manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Get started by calling (636) 296-1057 or filling out our contact form for a free quote. We serve homeowners in St. Louis, MO.