When it comes to your house, the roof is its unsung hero. It keeps you dry, warm, and safe from the elements. But how often do we really think about it? Probably not enough. The truth is, maintaining your roof is one of those out of sight, out of mind type things until, well, the leaks start, and it’s no longer out of sight, and it’s directly on top of your head. Don’t wait for a drip to turn into a downpour, though. Here are some essential roof rules you should always follow to keep things in tip top shape.
Photo by Thắng-Nhật Trần from Pexels
Check on your roof regularly.
Rule #1 is a good one because your roof takes a beating from the weather every year, so it’s a good idea to inspect it at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and the autumn months. After all, you don’t want to wait till it’s raining inside before you realise there’s a problem right? When you inspect, look for signs of wear and tear like missing shingles, cracks, or granules collecting in the gutters. And don’t just look from the ground. If you can safely climb up or use a ladder, check things out close up. You’ll be surprised how much more you can spot when you’re actually up there. Plus, it’s a good excuse to bring out your inner superhero.
Gutter cleaning is non negotiable.
OK, let’s talk about gutters. Yes, they’re the stuff you forget about until they overflow, and then it’s too late. Gutter cleaning should always be a priority, especially in the autumn months when all those lovely leaves fall off the trees and start clogging up the gutters. If water can’t flow through, it can spill over, causing water damage to your roof and even your foundation. It’s definitely not a glamorous job, but it is necessary. You could hire a professional if you don’t want to do it yourself, and a clean gutter system will keep the water flowing where it should, rather than into the walls or ceilings.
Never ignore the small leaks.
We’ve all seen the occasional drip from the ceiling, but that small leak could actually be a bigger issue than you think. If you spot water damage or any damp spots on your ceiling, don’t ignore them. The tiniest of leaks could be the result of a much larger problem, like a cracked roof or a worn out flashing. The longer you wait to address it, the worse the damage gets.
Trim trees around the roof.
Overhanging branches may seem harmless, but they can cause serious damage to your roof. Not only can they scrape the shingles, but they can also drop debris into your gutters or worse, full during a storm and crush part of your roof. So grab the pruning shears and give any trees near your roof a trim. Make sure the branches are at least a few feet away from your roofline. It’s a small task that saves you a lot of potential headaches.
Know when to call in the professionals.
Look, we all love a good DIY project, but there are times when the roof is simply out of your leak. If your roof is older, has severe damage, or if you’re just not sure what you’re looking at, call in the roofing contractors. They’re trained to spot things that you might miss, and they’ve got the right tools and experience to handle the bigger repairs or even roof replacements.
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