3 Tips To Improve Your Roof's Health
You may not worry about your roof until you spot a drip. However, you can do several things to improve your roof's health so that it lasts longer. If you would like to know more about roof maintenance and care, check out these three tips to improve your roof's health.
1. Remove Debris and Moss
Overtime, debris may gather on your roof, especially if you have a tree near the roof and/or branches that hang over the roof. This debris affects the curb appeal of your home, but it can also damage the shingles. Debris also absorbs water well, so it doesn't drain off the roof. The more your shingles are exposed to standing water, the higher the risk of damage and leaks.
In addition, if you live in an area with lots of rainfall, your asphalt or wooden shingles may grow moss, especially on north-facing roofs. Just like debris, the moss absorbs water. However, as the moss thickens, it grows under the shingles. As a result, it damages the shingles and increases the risk of leaks.
You want to remove the debris as soon as possible to reduce damage and to prevent it from ending up in the gutters. Moss, however, may be harder to remove. There are moss chemical killers, but if your roof is old, it may be best to let a professional handle it, so they don't further damage the shingles.
2. Maintain Damaged Shingles and Flashing
Damaged shingles include:
- Cracked shingles
- Curling shingles
- Shingles with missing granules
- Torn shingles
- Missing shingles
If you neglect to replace these damaged shingles, they become less effective. Since they are the first line of defense against the elements, ineffective shingles drastically increase wear and tear to the underlying decking.
You'll also want to monitor flashing. Flashing further protects vulnerable spots of the roof, such as in valleys and around chimneys. If your flashing is bent, missing, or rusted, consider replacing it or repairing it to prevent moisture from slipping through the roof.
If you already have a leak from poorly maintained shingles, look for signs of:
- Ceiling water stains
- Water pooling on the ceiling
- Mold, especially on the ceiling or in the attic
- Mildew, especially on the ceiling or in the attic
- Damaged attic insulation
3. Don't Neglect Your Gutters
Your gutters send water away from the roof and house to prevent damage. However, overtime, debris can clog the gutters. As a result, the water spills over the edge of the gutters, which can cause:
- Damage to the soffits
- Damage to the eaves
- Damage to the siding
- Moss and mildew growth
- Erosion where the water lands
You want to clean your gutters occasionally, and you may want to install a gutter guard. There are many types of gutter guards. Some are cheap and easy to install like brush gutter guards. Other types of gutter guards include:
- Foam gutter guards
- Mesh and micro mesh gutter guards
- Screen gutter guards
- Surface tension gutter guards
Don't forget to repair any leaks and/or replace damaged gutters. If possible, consider installing seamless gutters. As the name suggests, these gutters come in one solid piece. This reduces the risk of leaks. In traditional gutters, the segments often separate from wear and tear. In addition, seamless gutters require less maintenance because there are fewer joints, but they also boost curb appeal.
Besides the roof, you need to maintain the gutters to keep your roof in good condition for longer. If you've spotted some damaged shingles or gutters, you may need to seek professional help. If you would like to know more, contact us at Thompson and Thompson 3rd Generation Roofing, Inc. today.
