Your roof is a crucial part of your home that is used more often than you may realize. It protects you from the elements and provides insulation for your home. Thus, you need to ensure that you take care of it. The following are expert tips to help you maintain your roof and keep it in top condition.
1. Treat for Algae, Moss, and Lichen Annually
Allowing algae, moss, and lichen to grow can produce an unsightly appearance and cause extensive damage to your roof. This growth usually occurs in the shady areas of your roof during the warmer months.
You can easily eliminate this problem by getting your roof cleaned by a professional. When the roof is dry and clean, apply preventative products containing copper and zinc to keep the algae, moss, and lichen from growing back.
2. Replace Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles can cause leakage inside your home. Thus, it is vital to get the shingles repaired or replaced when you notice signs of damage. Repairing damaged shingles as soon as possible can prevent further damage to your roof.
3. Prune Overhanging Branches
Don’t neglect leaning branches touching your roof as they can gouge and scratch your roof materials. To prevent puncturing or damaging your shingles, trim back and get rid of any tree branches that grow too close to your roof.
Signs That You Need to Replace Your Roof
Signs that you need to replace your roof are sometimes subtle and develop over a long period. However, if you wait until water drips on your head while you’re inside your home, you have waited too long, and apart from replacing the roof, you may have to fix your entire house as well. Here are some signs you need to replace your roof.
1. Leaks and Water Damage
Visible leaks, rotting tiles, sagging spots, and dark stains are signs of water damage to your roof. However small they seem, please don’t ignore these types of damages, because they will get worse.
2. Roof Rot
A rotting roof can cause structural damage to your house. When exposed to moisture for extended periods, wood will rot, enhancing fungus growth, which will damage a structure. Thus, it is crucial to identify a rotting roof promptly to prevent further damage to your house.
3. Light Is Visible
If you can see daylight penetrating through the roof board in your attic, you have a problem. To prevent roof leaks, get a professional to do thorough maintenance and repair.
Your roof is a crucial part of your home, and you need to keep it well-maintained both inside and out. Follow the tips above to keep it in good shape. If you notice extensive roof damage, reach out to a roofing expert to determine whether the roof needs replacement.