Regular Roof Maintenance Homeowners Can Do to Prevent Storm Damage

9/5/2021 (Permalink)

What other part of a home takes a harder beating than the roof? All year it’s subjected to wind, rain, hail, freezing temperatures, and the hot sun. Since your roof is already facing quite a gauntlet, it’s important to regularly maintain it to prevent serious damage. Roofs aren’t cheap, so taking precautions is well worth the time and effort. 

Shingles are your roof’s main protective layer. They shield and insulate your roof from the elements. When shingles come loose, peel up, or fall off, your home becomes vulnerable to water damage. That’s why it’s important to check your shingles for any signs of weakness such as missing or loose shingles.

Strong winds will easily get under loose shingles and tear them up with each gust. So even one loose shingle can lead to big, expensive problems. 

While you’re checking your shingles, inspect the gutters as well. Make sure your gutters aren’t clogged. Throughout the year, gutters can get packed with dirt, leaves, and tree nuts. If they aren’t cleaned out, water will build up and run over your roof, which can cause water damage. 

If water sits too long on your roof, you can also get moss patches. While some homeowners find mossy roofs pretty, it’s actually destructive. Moss holds water and can push shingles away from the roof, allowing water to sink through. If you see moss on your roof, try applying zinc sulphate granules regularly, or call a roof repair company. 

Finally, protect your roof by trimming any overhanging tree branches. Trees can shed, dropping leaves and nuts. And, if squirrels and birds hangout in the tree, you can end up with animal droppings on your roof. But none of those annoyances are as bad as a tree limb dropping on your roof. Make sure trees close to your home are annually inspected  and properly trimmed.  

Roofs are too important to your home’s structural integrity to forget about. Keep an eye on your roof throughout the year, especially before and after severe weather.