When your roof fails due to aging, storm damage, or poor installation, it may leak and create the need for costly repairs, or even a roof replacement. Routine roof maintenance helps you identify and repair minor problems before they become major ones that sting your wallet.
Don’t risk damaging your home due to a faulty roof. Get peace of mind your home is well protected and safe with a fully functioning roofing system you can rely on.
Read on for practical tips on how to preserve your roofing system and prevent expensive repairs.
How to Maintain Your Roof Effectively to Avoid Costly Repairs in the Future
Regularly inspect your roof for damage
Homeowners who neglect their roof’s need for maintenance usually aren’t aware they have a roofing issue until their home has incurred extensive damage. Each spring and fall—and after any major storms—do a visual inspection of your roof. Grab a pair of binoculars, step across the street from your home, and inspect your roof from the safety of the ground. Look for these signs you need repairs or a possible roof replacement:
- Missing or damaged shingles – If shingles are damaged or have blown off your roof, your home is at risk of leaks and water damage. Prompt repairs are a must.
- Damaged flashing – Pay attention to flashing around your chimney, roof valleys, and overhangs. Ensure they are in good condition and won’t put your home at risk of leaks.
- Deteriorating caulking – Due to temperature fluctuations as seasons change, caulking can become faulty and wear down, putting your home at risk of moisture intrusion. Hire a pro to replace your caulking, so your home’s protective layer is well sealed.
Pro tip: A roof maintenance program is an ideal solution for many. It provides regularly scheduled inspections where you get a detailed analysis of your roof’s condition and learn what you need to do to keep it in the best possible shape. Your roof, attic, and gutter system will all be investigated. You’ll discover if you have any missing shingles, pooling water around your home’s perimeter, or debris cluttering your gutters.
Keep your gutters and downspouts clean
Gutters are your roof’s drainage system and they need to be kept free and clear of debris.
Pro tip: Gutter guards shield your gutters from being blocked by debris.
Hire a professional to perform regular maintenance and repairs
While DIY may work for some home maintenance projects, it’s best to hire the pros to do roof repairs for your safety. At Best Choice Roofing, we provide photo and video evidence of any discovered damages and issues on your roof.
Pro tip: Let the pros save you time and energy by entrusting your roof repairs to them.
Trim your trees around your roof
You’ll avoid a host of problems with your roofing system if you trim your trees that have overhanging branches that pose a threat to your roof. Don’t risk the damages a harsh storm can do to your home with an overgrown nearby tree.
Pro tip: Tree trimming is important for roof maintenance because overhanging branches can cause damage to your roof’s shingles and gutters. If branches scrape against your roof, they can scratch or tear your shingles, leading to roof leaks and other damage.
Improve your attic’s ventilation
If your attic doesn’t have proper ventilation, the trapped air will shorten your roof’s lifespan. Add more roof vents and prevent your home from retaining moist, hot air. A dry, well-ventilated attic prevents mold from developing inside it and your living areas.
Pro tip: Your ventilation should be split between the intake and exhaust vents. Poor ventilation leads to roof damage, higher energy bills, and reduced air quality.
The Benefits of Regular Roof Maintenance
Improve the lifespan of your roof
When you take care of your current home exterior with proper maintenance, it will last longer. You’ll avoid the risk of premature roof replacement and maximize its lifespan.
Prevent leaks and water damage
The water damage from roof leaks is unsightly and unhealthy. But it can be avoided! Proper roof maintenance will prevent moisture intrusion in your home. If you care for your roof, you’ll avoid the risk of unhealthy mold and mildew growing in your attic and walls due to a leaky roof.
Keep your roof looking fabulous
Your roof makes up a large percentage of your home’s curb appeal. When shingles go missing, damaged by pests, or become cracked, the “bald spot” can dampen your home’s looks and decrease its overall value. Keep your roof looking great by regularly maintaining it, and you’ll preserve the value of your property.
Increase your home’s energy efficiency
When your roof is in good condition, your home stays well insulated, keeping energy usage down and lowering utility bills throughout the year.
Prevent bigger problems
The beauty of regularly maintaining your roof is that you catch problems when they are small and deal with them. The result? You don’t end up blindsided by big problems that break the bank. That’s worth the small investment maintenance requires.
Protect Your Home with a Roof that Lasts
You need to take action to maintain your roof—your home’s protective covering—by providing the maintenance it needs to function as it was designed to.
At Best Choice Roofing, as a Platinum Preferred contractor with Owens Corning, we can offer you the industry’s best roofing products, prices, and warranties. With a Best Choice Roofing 5-year Labor Guarantee and an Owens Corning 50-year warranty, you can rest assured that your home is protected without incurring future costs.
Imagine the peace of mind you’ll have knowing your home is safeguarded by a reliable, long-lasting roof. Learn more about our roofing services and ask about our in-house financing.
