Every year, millions of homeowners repair their roofs, either because it has reached the end of their useful life or because the last storm did a number on them. Even though everyone’s roof will ultimately need to be replaced, there are some shingle roof care techniques you can follow to prevent taking it off sooner rather than later.
We’ve compiled a quick-hitting roof repair and maintenance checklist to assist you in identifying and preventing the type of damage that spells doom for your ordinary roof.
- Inspect your Shingles regularly
So, how can you keep a roof in good condition? The first step is just to check on it as frequently as possible, particularly after a major storm or high winds. The good news is that you don’t have to climb a ladder to inspect your roof. All you need is a decent pair of binoculars to spot any possible issues. Here are some things to check for while evaluating your roof:
- Shingles that are missing
- Shingles that curl
- Shingles that have cracked
- Flaking flashing
- Granules are missing.
Any of the following symptoms of damage should be investigated as soon as possible, ideally by a professional roofing contractor who is capable of doing the necessary repairs safely.
- Obtain a Roof Inspection from a Professional
Why should you pay for a roofing inspection when our roof repairs and care checklist is right in front of you? An inspector will be able to detect possible problems that you may have overlooked, as well as give you important advice on how to manage your roof. They’ll also offer you an estimate of how long it will last. Most roofers advocate two-year checks, but once-a-year inspections will boost your chances of detecting possible problems before they become costly repairs.
- Examine your attic and ceilings for leaks
Finding water stains inside your home is another indication that your roof needs care. To avoid significant problems, you should inspect your ceilings and attic regularly, just as you do your roof. The following are the most typical leak warning signs:
- Certain rooms have musty scents.
- Your ceiling has water stains.
- blemishes on your outside walls
- Patches of deterioration on your interior walls.
If you detect any of these symptoms, your next step should be to find the leak and get a professional to repair the hole in your roof. However, if you’re experienced working on your own house, there are a few repairs in the text below.
- Clean Your Roof
When it comes to keeping a shingle roof, one of the most important pieces of advice is to wash it. Your roof will eventually become filthy, with long, black streaks running from peak to eave. This is algae that have grown in your house. Algae will not cause immediate harm, but if left alone for a long enough period, it will eventually ruin your shingles.
Spray your roof with a 50/50 mixture of water and bleach to get rid of these plant-like animals. The bleach will immediately destroy the algae, but you should also put copper strips right beneath your roof’s peak. When it rains, the copper molecules will run down your roof, eliminating any algae that are attempting to make a comeback.
