Roof maintenance involves several activities, but you can categorize most of them three ways. Take care of these three things and you will likely enjoy an efficient and durable roof for long.

1. Cleaning

Debris will accumulate on your roof after some time. Leaves from nearby trees, loose materials from roofing materials, and windblown debris, such as dust all accumulate on the roof. The debris affects the roof in different ways; for example:

  • The debris blocks drainage channels, interfere with water flow, and increase roof leak risk.
  • The debris retains roof moisture and encourages algae growth, deteriorating roof materials.
  • The debris discolors the roof and lowers your house's aesthetic appeal.

Therefore, regular roof cleaning is a crucial maintenance activity. The cleaning frequency and mechanism depends on roof material, debris type, and debris accumulation rate. For example, you need more frequent cleaning if you have tall trees around the house.

Use cleaning techniques that don't damage the roof. For example, resist the urge to rake leaves off the roof since the rake spikes might damage the roof's surface. A soft bristled brush or pressure washer at low setting works. Many roofing companies also offer safe and effective cleaning services.

2. Immediate Repairs

Fix roof repairs as soon as you pot them. Even small damages will worsen into serious and costly damages if you ignore them. For example:

  • A cracked shingle might admit water into the roof, causing material degradation and roof leaks.
  • A gutter with the wrong pitch can allow water to back up under the roof and cause damage.
  • Missing or loose flashing allows water to leak into the house.

Don't put off roof repairs; use the repairs as preventive maintenance for reducing the risk of catastrophic roof damage.

3. Inspection

Roofing contractors advise on two types of roof inspection:

  1. Regular roof inspection is necessary for all roofs, including those without obvious defects. The regular inspections are necessary to detect hidden or emerging problems and nip them in the bud.
  2. Roof inspections are also necessary after a serious storm. You use the post-storm inspection to determine whether the roof has suffered a damage that requires intervention.

Don't just depend on DIY roof inspections; get a professional inspection at least once per season. The professional contractor may use their experience and equipment to spot damages you might not see. For example, roof contractors have thermal cameras for detecting internal leaks or water damage that you might miss without the equipment. Contact DeWild Construction LLC for more information.

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