Be Proactive Through Roof Maintenance

It’s easy to see why so many homeowners leave their roofs unattended, since they aren't exactly immediately accessible to most people. When you’re catching up on household chores over the weekend, scaling a ladder might not be a particularly high priority.  That being said, a neglected roof is a disaster waiting to happen. 

A damaged or collapsed roof is a major repair that can have an astronomical price tag and take weeks or even months to complete.  The point is, you want to do everything in your power to avoid damage to your roof, and the best way to do so is to practice preventative maintenance.

So what should you do to prevent roofing catastrophes?  Let’s take a look at the list we’ve compiled of the five best ways to maintain your roof.

1. Look for damaged shingles

Shingles do a remarkably good job of keeping your roof safe from the elements.  However, the moment they become damaged or dislodged, your roof is at risk. The most common culprit of shingle damage is inclement weather conditions.  Torrential rain, hailstones, and high winds can cause significant damage to your shingles.  The best practice for roofing maintenance is to always check your roof for damage after a storm.  If you observe any shingles that are torn, cracked, dislodged, or completely ripped off, you need to call a professional roofer immediately.  If this damage is caught early enough, the repairs are fairly straightforward, but if it’s neglected the damage will be far more severe.

2. Clear away debris and snow

A collection of branches on your roof might not seem like a big deal, but if left unchecked it can spell dire consequences for your roof.  The problem arises when branches block water from flowing off into the gutters, which can cause moisture to accumulate and ultimately damage shingles and allow water to seep into the inner structure of the roof.  Likewise, snow is a lot heavier than it looks, and Texas roofs are too frequently not built to withstand snow accumulation.  Snow damages your roof by putting undue stress on the interior structure of your home, eventually leading to sagging and even collapse.  If you are unable to clear snow and branches from your roof on your own, call a professional immediately.

3. Keep an eye out for pests

The last thing you want is critters taking up residence on your roof!  Carpenter ants, termites, carpenter bees, and roof rats are all extremely common in Texas and can cause catastrophic damage to your house.  Keep an eye out for wood shavings on the ground around your roof or droppings and dead insects in your attic.  The best way to deal with a pest infestation is to prevent them from gaining access to your roof in the first place.  Repair broken or missing shingles as quickly as possible and make sure that your gutters are regularly cleaned so as not to entice any unwanted visitors.

4. Keep your gutters clean 

Gutters are easy to forget about, but are the most important exterior water drainage system on your house.  They should be cleaned regularly, and replaced as soon as possible if they are sagging, rusted, or cracking at the seams.  Gutters carry water off of your roof and allow it to be diverted away from your home.  In order to properly function, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, possibly quarterly or more if you live in a wooded area.

5. Have your roof inspected annually

Roof damage is often difficult to diagnose to the untrained eye.  This means that you should have a professional look at it at least once a year to make sure that there is no interior damage or missing shingles that are hidden from ground level. 

If you are looking for a roofing contractor who can take care of all the aforementioned maintenance, look no further!  Give us a call if you have any reason to suspect damage to your roof to schedule an inspection.  We have the expertise you need to make an informed decision about the health of your roof!