You could easily spend up to $14,000 on a new roof, so home roof maintenance isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential if you don’t want to fork out money on a new roof.

It’s easy to forget about roof maintenance since you can’t always see the problem until it’s too late. Regular roof maintenance means you’ll check your roof’s condition and discover (and fix!) any damage before the problem becomes too serious. This will also give you the opportunity to see if you need any roof repairs that need to be done by a professional.

It’s important to split what you can do yourself and what you can’t. If you try to fix an issue on your roof that you aren’t qualified to do, then you could end up making the problem worse.

So, keep reading to find out more about five home roof maintenance tips to help you keep your roof in tip-top shape throughout the year.

1. Inspect Your Shingles

Your roof shingles are exposed to the elements 24/7. While they are meant to be outside, you need to periodically check that none of your shingles have come off or started to loosen. Weather conditions can easily damage your shingles, and it’s hard to notice from the ground until there is a large amount of damage.

To ensure your roof can keep on protecting you from the elements, you’ll need to inspect your shingles at least twice a year. If you find any loose shingles, you can do minor repairs to fasten them, but you might need a professional roof maintenance team if too many of your shingles are damaged. 

2. Clean Your Gutter and Install Covers

Most gutters are installed without covers which means a ton of dirt and debris can get stuck there. The main goal of your gutters is to manage water flow by channeling water from your roof through the downspouts and directing it to appropriate areas outside the home. If you don’t have gutter covers, then leaves, small branches, dirt, and small objects can end up blocking your gutters.

Installing covers will prevent much of the debris that usually ends up in gutters to not block yours. However, you need to regularly clean your gutters even if you have covers installed. Gutter covers will block some of the debris but not all of it.

Gutters that aren’t cleaned regularly and that don’t have covers can become so blocked that the weight of the debris pulls them from your walls. This could lead to some serious damage to your roof.

Installing gutters will not only protect your roof from damage but will also help you protect the foundation of your home.  

3. Chase Out Animals

You might feel bad for chasing out the animals nesting on and in your roof, but their presence is a bad sign. Not only will the droppings become an ideal breeding ground for inspects, but they can damage your roof by chewing through parts of it. Any electrical wiring running through your roof is also at risk of being chewed through.

The moment you see or hear movement in your roof, you need to investigate and find ways to get rid of them. You can also consider bird-proofing your roof to ensure they don’t come back.

4. Prevent Moss and Algae From Growing

If debris has been building up on your roof, there’s a good chance that you might encounter some moss and algae. Not only will the moss and algae be unappealing to look at, but they can also lead to extensive damage to your roof if left unattended. If the moss and algae continue to grow, then your roof won’t be as effective in shielding against water and UV rays.

After some time, the moss and algae can even damage the structure of the roof itself.

To prevent moss and algae on your roof, you’ll need to regularly trim overhanging tree branches, clear debris from your roof, and ensure that there is proper ventilation in your attic. If you already have a moss and algae problem, you’ll need to purchase a cleaning solution geared to removing moss and mold. When using a cleaning solution, you need to make sure to follow the instructions on the product not only for your safety but also to ensure the safety of your roof.

You can also try using a mixture of water and ammonia bleach to prevent the spread of the moss and algae.

5. Never Power Wash Your Roof

While power washing is a great way to get rid of dirt and mildew quickly, you should never power wash your roof. Power washers use high pressure to ensure the dirt almost gets blasted off of the surface. If you use high-pressure equipment on your roof, you can end up causing some serious damage that would need to be repaired.

Home Roof Maintenance Made Easy

Staying up to date with your home roof maintenance is an essential step to keeping your roof in good condition. By following these tips, you can rest assured that you’ve done everything possible to take care of your roof. If you run into a problem that you’re not sure you can fix yourself, it’s always best to call a professional.

If you’re looking for a professional roof maintenance company to come and help you out, consider contacting Innovative Roofing today. Innovative Roofing will service your residential or commercial roofing needs from West Palm Beach to Miami, FL.