How To Maintain A Problem-Free Roof

If you want to keep your roof problem-free throughout the year, ask a roofer to help you maintain your roof the right way. Good roof maintenance keeps your roof and home in good repair all year long. Some of the things that may potentially harm your roof are overgrown trees and poorly sealed vents. Use the information below to keep your roof problem-free all year round.

Keep Your Trees in Check

If large trees tower over your roof, take steps to keep them in check now. Overgrown or dead tree branches and limbs can brush against or fall onto the surface of your roof and damage it during hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other severe weather conditions.

Trees can also drop pollen, moss, and leaves onto your roof and damage it. The decaying debris can stain and break down the surface of your roof's shingles. The shiny granules covering the shingles may also fall off during the year. Granules prevent water from soaking into shingles when it rains. Bald shingles, or shingles that lose most or all of their granules, can crack and fade.  

If you prune the trees towering over your roof, you can the shingles in good repair. If you hire someone to prune your trees for you, be sure to ask the individual to take extra precautions with your roof. Even a small limb can puncture, or create a hole, in your roof if it falls on it.

After you prune your trees, ask a roofer to stop by your home and inspect your roof. If your trees faded or cracked the shingles on your roof, a roofer can replace the shingles for you.

Access and Repair Your Roof

The first thing a roofer will do is take a walk around your roof. The walk allows a contractor to accomplish several things, including:

• Find bald, faded, or cracked shingles on your roof
• Look for loose flashing on and around the roof
• Access the overall condition of your roof

Flashing surrounds the bases of structures that lay or sit close to the surface of the roof, such as a chimney pipe or a plumbing vent. Flashing prevents water and heat from penetrating and damaging the surfaces beneath your roof's shingles. If a roofer does find signs of flashing damage, they may replace it right away.

If the overall state or condition of your roof is bad, consider replacing it. A roofer will discuss the best or most effective way to replace your roof with you.

Learn more about roofing maintenance by contacting a professional near you.