Getting the longest possible service life from your roof requires some effort because you need to invest back in your roof throughout the year to keep it in top shape and prevent costly repairs or even replacement. Sometimes, if the roof is too old or worn out, there’s no avoiding a replacement, but for the most part, you could keep your roof in great shape for decades without needing any major work done.
What’s more, you don’t need any major investments, nor do you need to break the bank to maximize the lifespan of your roof, whether you’re a homeowner or if you’re a professional property manager. With that in mind, today we’ll be taking a look at some simple yet vital maintenance tips you should take to heart in order to keep your roof in excellent shape all year round.
Clean the roof every season
The first and most important preventive measure you should employ is to simply clean your roof at the end of every season. However, this should be a detailed, meticulous cleaning project where you will remove all dust, debris, and other elements from the surface, but also from beneath the shingles where you can reach it. It’s important to be as detailed as possible because this will also allow you to spot any damage that might have occurred throughout the previous season.
To clean your roof properly, first determine that you can walk on the surface safely. Bring your safety gear, and start dusting and rolling the build-up off the roof onto a tarp on the ground. You can then use a sprayer attached to a garden hose (don’t damage the roof with a pressure washer) to clean the surface thoroughly. If you notice any mold or growth, you can use a bleaching solution to eliminate it, but make sure to do it on a calm, cloudy day with no risk of precipitation.
Keep nature in check
The next step is to tend to the landscaping and trim back the trees if need be. If the tree branches have overgrown and are leaning on the roof, you can expect plenty of debris to accumulate, and there’s a chance that the branches will damage the roof during those windy days.
So, you want to trim the branches back a couple of feet to create a safe distance between your roof and the branches and prevent various critters from using them to make your roof their home. While you’re at it, make sure to keep all ground landscaping in check as well, in order to allow your gutters to properly drain the water and keep the foundation of the property safe.
Inspect the roof for leaks
To maximize the lifespan of your roof, whether it’s a residential or a commercial property, you have to make sure that it doesn’t have any leaks. Water, if not allowed to flow properly or steered off the surface the right way, can cause severe damage to your roof and incur costly repairs.
Given the fact that the leaks can be so small and imperceptible, it’s important to conduct waterproof membrane testing once a year to ensure the membrane doesn’t have any leaks and is keeping the structural integrity of the roof intact. If you allow any leaks to persist, pretty soon the roof is going to start breaking down, and you will have to deal with everything from rust and mold, all the way to serious structural damage. Don’t risk it, inspect the roof for leaks.
Check the shingles
During a roof inspection, you also want to check all the shingles if they are loose if they are cracked or damaged in any way, or if there’s something underneath that shouldn’t be there. This one is a tedious and lengthy project, but it’s important to do it, nonetheless. Be meticulous and take your time, and inspect each shingle thoroughly.
Keep the gutters clean
Lastly, don’t forget to keep your gutters clean. Ensure the proper flow of water so that the roof can stay dry and prevent any long-term damage. You can use a pressure washer for the gutters, but if you want to avoid making a mess, simply use your own two hands to take all the build-up out and into disposable garbage bags.
Over to you
Caring for your roof throughout the year means avoiding costly repairs and replacements in the long run. Use these tips to take good care of your roof all year round and safeguard your investment.
