To keep your roof in good condition, you must take proper care of it. Your home’s roof is the structure that protects the interior from all sorts of environmental conditions such as rain or snow. During times of strong weather or harsh climates, this can mean life and death for those on the inside. That is why proper roof maintenance and repair is a very big deal, especially during winter months when roofs are more vulnerable to damage. That is also why choosing the proper roofing supplies Sydney and materials for your roofs should be with the supervision of a professional.
Everyone knows that roofs take a lot of abuse throughout their lifespan, but most people don’t know how to properly care for them. If you’re not careful and knowledgeable about caring for your roofs, then it will begin to deteriorate. Most importantly, you want to be sure that the roof is properly cared for so that it doesn’t collapse or leak during a storm or other bad weather event. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your roofs:
Be sure to inspect your roofs regularlyÂ
If you’re a homeowner, then inspecting it at least once a year is recommended. If you hire someone to take care of your roof regularly, then they should be doing this for you as well – it’s part of their job. Inspecting the roofs from underneath can help you spot potential problems before they become difficult or expensive issues later on.
Replace any loose shingles immediately
Sometimes, strong winds will strip off old and damaged shingles leaving only the good ones in place. These missing shingles create holes through which water can seep into your home’s interior and cause damage over time. A professional contractor should be able to replace them with just about no evidence that they were ever there.
Keep trees trimmed away from your roofsÂ
Overgrown trees can cause several problems for your roof, including branches scraping against the surface, leaves and other debris accumulations, and even roots growing up into the roofing material. All of these can lead to damage and leaks over time if not regularly addressed.
Be sure your gutters are clean and clearÂ
Clogged gutters can overflow during a rainstorm, sending water cascading down the side of your home and potentially damaging the foundation or windows. Make it a part of your regular cleaning routine to check the gutters and clean them out as necessary.
Make sure your roof ventilation is adequateÂ
This one might be a little more difficult to assess on your own, but a good rule of thumb is to have one square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of roofing. If you live in a hot climate, then more ventilation might be necessary. Poor ventilation can cause the roofing material to overheat and deteriorate prematurely.
Keep an eye out for leaks
This one should be pretty obvious, but if you notice any water spots on the ceilings or walls inside your home, then it’s time to get your roof inspected. Leaks can cause all sorts of damage over time if not repaired quickly.
Avoid walking on your roofsÂ
This one is pretty self-explanatory – walking on roofs can damage the surface and lead to leaks and other problems. If you need to access your roof for any reason, make sure you use the proper tools and take every safety measure necessary.
If in doubt, hire a professional contractorÂ
For anything beyond what you can do on your own, it’s always best to hire a licensed roofing contractor. They will have the training and equipment necessary to tackle any job quickly and correctly without damaging your home or costing too much money.
Of course, there are other ways to properly care for your roofs, but these ten steps should go a long way toward keeping them looking good for years to come. Properly caring for a house is important because that’s where we spend most of our time – if it begins to look shabby then that reflects poorly on us.
