A properly maintained roof keeps precipitation, high winds and debris out of a home. It also prevents leaks and other structural issues.
Small roof problems can become big ones if not promptly addressed. Regular maintenance boosts a property’s appeal and translates into lower utility bills. Visit Website to learn more.
Debris that accumulates on a roof provides the perfect habitat for mold and mildew. It can also damage shingles and reduce energy efficiency.
Gutters are often overlooked, but they perform a vital job — preventing foundation damage, averting soil erosion around the house and stopping moisture from penetrating basements and lower levels. As a homeowner, it’s important to inspect your gutters frequently to make sure they’re functioning properly and are free of any wear and tear. If you find any issues that need repair, have them fixed promptly so they don’t become more serious and costly in the future.
Regular gutter inspections can help identify issues like leaks or sagging sections before they cause significant problems, allowing you to make the necessary repairs before they become worse. In addition, it’s essential to clean your gutters regularly to prevent clogging and ensure water flows freely from the roof. During cleaning, it’s also a good idea to check your gutter downspouts for clogs and to make sure they have wire strainers to stop large debris from entering the downspouts and sewer line.
Whether you have a built-in gutter system, cornice gutters or hidden gutters, a well-maintained system will protect the exterior of your home, and enhance its curb appeal. In addition, a functional and visually appealing gutter system can increase the value of your property if you’re considering selling it in the future.
The type of gutter you have and how often it needs to be cleaned will depend on the material, but all homeowners should sweep or blow away any leaves, sticks, twigs and other debris that accumulates. This is especially important for metal gutters, which can rust if left unattended. It’s also a good idea to trim any tree branches that overhang the roof and may cause damage during storms or allow animals to enter the house.
Licensed home inspectors routinely inspect gutters as part of a complete roof inspection to ensure that they’re functioning properly and are free of wear and tear. Regular gutter maintenance can save homeowners a lot of money in the long run, as they’ll be able to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Inspect Your Flashing
Your roof’s flashing is an important component that keeps water from seeping into vulnerable areas of the roof. These include areas where different roof surfaces meet, such as chimneys or vent pipes, and also the areas around valleys. Without proper flashing, these areas are susceptible to leaks and other structural damage that can cause serious problems for your home.
To ensure that your roof’s flashing is in good shape, you should have it inspected on a regular basis. You can do this yourself or have a professional come and inspect your roof as part of a regular maintenance inspection. The key is to check for signs of flashing wear and tear, such as a general discolouration or a powdery film that covers the lead surface. These are telltale indicators that the roof flashing is starting to fail.
You should also look for gaps or separations between the roof flashing and the surrounding shingles. These are often caused by high winds or harsh weather and may lead to a leaky roof. You should also check the caulking on the flashing. A loose bead of caulking could indicate that the sealant has deteriorated and is in need of replacement.
Another sign of failing flashing is stains on interior walls or ceilings that are near the flashing. These stains are likely caused by water leaking past the flashing and causing damage to the interior of your home.
Inspecting your roof flashing regularly will catch any issues before they become major problems. This can save you from having to spend thousands of dollars on a roof repair down the road.
It’s best to have your roof flashing inspected by a professional who has experience with the different types of roofing materials and understands the ways they work together. They can help you understand the condition of your flashing and suggest any repairs or replacements that might be necessary. In addition, they can make sure that all of your roof components are properly working together to protect your home from the elements. You should also get your flashing inspected every year to ensure that it is in good shape and that there are no rust or other signs of failure.
Trim Tree Branches
Tree branches that hang over your roof can damage shingles, clog gutters and introduce other problems. Additionally, they can become a highway for critters to access your home. Many people are unaware that squirrels, raccoons and other animals use the branches of nearby trees to access the roof. If the branches are trimmed back regularly, this will reduce animal access and protect your roof.
Regular trimming of tree branches will also help to minimize the amount of debris that accumulates on your roof. If the debris is allowed to pile up, it can lead to a number of problems, including the growth of mold and the formation of fungus on the shingles. Fungus and mold growth can lead to a wide variety of health issues, including respiratory problems, and may also cause structural damage to the roof or other areas of your home.
It’s important to hire a professional for this task, given the significant safety risks involved. Trimming tree branches is not something that you want to attempt on your own, especially if you have tall trees. A Certified Arborist knows how far the branches should be from your roof, and can perform this task safely and efficiently.
A professional can also remove dead or dying limbs, which will also reduce the risk of them falling off during a storm and causing property damage. The three-step process involves making a cut at the base of the limb, cutting across the limb about halfway through it and then removing the limb at the branch bark ridge. This process is essential to reducing the risk of storm damage and maintaining the beauty and value of your property.
In addition to the benefits listed above, regular pruning of your trees will allow them to receive more sunlight. This will promote healthy roots, stems and leaves, which can help the tree to grow taller and stronger.
A good rule of thumb is to have the branches trimmed every two or three years. However, it’s always wise to consult with a Certified Arborist to determine the best schedule for your specific tree.
Clean Your Attic
Many home owners rarely enter their attic space and tend to ignore it, but the attic is important for a number of reasons. It holds your insulation, and over time, it can become contaminated with dust and other contaminants that may be causing allergies or other health issues for you and your family. It also houses your roof’s shingles and can cause damage when it becomes oversaturated with water or moisture. During routine maintenance, your roof technician will remove any debris that has collected in the attic and may even take the opportunity to replace damaged or missing shingles.
Leaks can occur in the attic before they appear on the ceiling or walls, and this is why regular inspections are so important. Moisture, mold, rodent infestations and other problems can linger in the attic until they reach other parts of the house. This is why a professional roof inspector can help you spot problems early and make repairs before they spread.
Cracked and damaged attic insulation can allow conditioned air to escape during the winter and enter during the summer, increasing energy costs. Routine maintenance includes replacing old insulation and ensuring that leaks are properly sealed, so you can save money on your energy bills.
A dirty attic isn’t just a health hazard for you and your family, but it can also be a fire risk. Over time, the insulation can burn and combust, creating a fire hazard that you may not notice until it’s too late.
Rodents like mice and rats can breed in the attic and contaminate your home with their droppings, urine and nesting materials. This can lead to serious health and respiratory problems for you and your family, especially if you have children or elderly people living in the house. Regular attic cleanings will prevent rodent infestation and keep the environment in your home healthy for you and your loved ones. In addition, a clean attic can be a functional storage area for your belongings. Getting rid of boxes and clutter will make it easier to find items when you need them.