Tips for Maintaining the Roof of Your Home
Your roof is one of the most important elements of your home. If it’s sound, your house will provide you shelter for years to come, but if it becomes worn, moisture can get into your dwelling creating rot and mold as well as insect infestations. Follow these tips to protect your roof.
Watch Out for Snow
Snow collecting on your roof can be problematic for a number of reasons. When the sun hits the snow, it slowly melts, allowing pools of water to sit on your roof. That can cause the wood to rot, letting in water and inviting mold to grow in your home and termites to invade. Also, that heavy snow puts unnecessary strain on the structure of your building and could cause the roof to collapse.
Eliminate those risks by having a snow sensor put on your roof. It will let you know when too much snow piles up. Contact a DMD sensor installer to have it put in and be sure to clear the snow using a snow rake.
Clean the Gutters
The gutters on your roof serve the vital purpose of preventing water from standing on your roof, but if those gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris, they can’t do their job. Make it a point to clear your gutters on a regular basis or have gutter guards installed.
Check the Shingles
Also, be sure to check the shingles to make sure they aren’t getting too worn. If the shingles are curling or cracked, or if you see bits of glitter in the gutter, it may be time to contact a professional roofer to have the shingles replaced before stains appear on your ceiling.
Trim Back Dead Branches
Trees planted near your home are excellent for providing shade. Your cooling bills are less in the summer because the sun isn’t beating down on your roof. Those same trees can be a problem, however, when dead branches aren’t trimmed away on a regular basis. Anytime a strong wind comes along, limbs can break and land on your roof, potentially damaging the shingles and causing costly repairs. Invest in a pole saw to keep your trees trimmed and healthy-looking while protecting your roof.
A healthy roof means a safe home. With a little vigilance and by taking a few precautions, you can have a well-maintained home that you can live in and enjoy for years to come.