A roof over your head is one of the most basic securities we can have in life. A roof is so important to your home. Despite this, it’s surprising how many homeowners neglect roofing matters until it is too late. A new roof can cost as much as $35,000 for high-end materials. A new roof is the kind of investment you’ll want to protect it. If your roof is years old, keeping it in good condition will prolong its life. Winter can be especially hard on your roof, so it is important to do a spring roof intake to determine if there is anything that needs to be taken care of. Take some time this spring to look closely at your roof – here are some things you should consider to help you get the most out of your roof:
How to maintain your roof:
- Don’t let snow or leaves collect on the roof. Leaves trap moisture and hold it against the roof where it can cause damage. Snow can melt and cause ice which will make your roof prone to ice dams. The weight of snow can also be too heavy on your roof.
- Try not to walk on the roof. Use a roof rake to get off snow or leaves and a hose to get off mold or moss. You should avoid pressure washing your roof because the power of the spraying can loosen shingles and roofing tabs. It can also wash off reflective granules.
- Clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can mean that the overflow can go upward. When leaves and debris pile too deeply in gutters, water can back up and get into the roof sheathing. This can rot the sheathing and even rot roof rafters.
- Trim tree limbs. Don’t let branches hang over your roof. They could break or snap under snow or wind and fall, damaging your roof. It will also prevent leaves from building up and branches scraping the house. Sunlight also helps to prevent mold and moss from growing.
- Make sure your home is well insulated. Heat rising through your roof can cause damage from ice, drying out timbers, or starting mold issues.
- Inspect after storms. After a big rain, wind, or hail storms, take a quick look at your roof to make sure everything is intact and no minor damage has been done. Wind can leave loose or missing slate or shingles and hail can cause damage to bigger things like your chimney or skylights.
NeighborWorks can help!
Most problems are fairly easy to fix, but if you put them off and water gets in, the damage and costs can be big. Your roof can take on a lot and last for many years, but only if it is taken care of. Small repairs can help your home last longer and keep your repair costs down. If you think you are in need of some roof repair and feel the costs are too large to handle, consider calling our office to find out more about our Home Repair Loan program. Our HEAT Squad can also be a good first step in looking at how well your roof is and if your home is adequately insulated.
