Your roof is one of the most costly parts of your home and a source of many expensive repairs. It takes a battering from different weather conditions throughout the year. Hot sun during the summer can cause some roofing materials to crack or warp, while wind and rain during other seasons are likely to add further damage to things.
If you’re not careful, a roof that should last over a decade may only last a handful of years. You’ll also end up splurging on regular repairs before giving up and investing in a full-on replacement. Obviously, that’s something you want to avoid, so here’s a roof maintenance checklist that’ll help you look after this costly investment.
Inspect Your Roof At Least Twice A Year
This might seem excessive, but you need to visually inspect your roof at least twice a year. Do this after the winter months to see if cold and bad weather did any serious damage. You should also do it after summer to check if your roof is ready for winter.
These inspections don’t need to be that extensive and can be done on your own by standing outside and looking up at your house – or getting on a ladder. Professional roof inspections are only needed once every couple of years, unless you’ve got a thatched roof, in which case a master thatcher will need to check yours every year at least. That’s because thatched roofs are made from organic materials, so they’re more likely to degrade a lot faster.
Additionally, it helps if you inspect your roof after heavy rain and storms. You need to be certain nothing bad happened during the storm – if there is any damage, then at least you can deal with it before it gets worse.
Clean Away Any Moss Or Other Organic Growths
Moss, algae and other organic materials love growing on roofs. You see this on basically every house you pass, but it’s bad for the roof’s lifespan. These materials grow between tiles and can dislodge them, leaving parts of your roof exposed to the elements.
Get into the habit of cleaning your roof once a year with a pressure washer. You can hire someone to do this if you don’t feel comfortable attempting it yourself, but it prevents any organic buildup.
Maintain Any Nearby Hanging Structures
Are there any hanging structures near your roof, most notably trees? If so, then keep an eye on them and be sure to trim back any branches to stop them from growing into your roof. You might have to contact the council to deal with this if the trees aren’t part of your property.
Unclog and Clean Gutters Regularly
Finally, keep your drains clear and healthy! Always check the gutters and unclog them to allow water to flow from your roof to the ground. Clogged gutters cause water pooling, which can lead to leaks in your roof. It’s not the most enjoyable task, but you’ll be glad you did it when your roof remains in good shape.
Keep ticking the things off this roof maintenance checklist and you’ll have a healthy roof that doesn’t need ongoing repairs. It should last for as long as possible, meaning you get the absolute most out of this investment.