Keeping the Rain Where It Belongs: An Homage to Roofs

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Roofing Tips For Homeowners With A Lot Of Trees

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No matter who you are and where you live, you need to be taking good care of your roof if you want it to last. If you are someone with a lot of trees in your yard, however, you need to be taking roof care extra seriously. Trees and roofs don't necessarily get along well. The shade from the trees can cause the roof to stay moist longer than it should, and fallen leaves can lead to premature deterioration. Thankfully, with the following roof care tips, you can keep your roof in good shape in spite of your trees.

1. Have gutter guards installed.

There are several different types of gutter guard systems that are designed to keep leaves from clogging your gutters. Reach out to a roofing company in your area, and arrange to have one of these systems installed. The simplest form is just a piece of vinyl with holes in it. The vinyl sits on top of the gutter and allows water to drip through but not leaves. There are also some systems that involve spring-like coils that are inserted into the gutters. These cost more, but they may also last longer and are less likely to blow away in a big storm.

2. Have zinc strips put on to prevent moss and algae growth.

Moss and algae growth are big concerns on roofs that are shaded by trees. These organisms love growing in shady, moist areas. They can not only make your roof look ugly, but they can also cause it to deteriorate prematurely. The easiest way to keep algae and moss growth at bay is to have a roofer install zinc strips along the peak of your roof. Every time it rains, a little zinc will get rinsed down over the roof, and the zinc will keep moss and algae from growing.

3. Sweep leaves off.

Keep an eye on your roof — especially during the fall when the leaves start falling — and when you do see a lot of leaves accumulating, just sweep them off. It's easier (and more effective) to do this sooner rather than later since the longer you leave the leaves in place, the more moisture they'll absorb. You can buy long-handled brooms designed for this purpose at most home improvement stores. They may be sold as "roof rakes" or "roof brooms." They can serve double-duty, also allowing you to sweep snow off the roof in winter.

Having trees means having to take extra good care of your roof. With the strategies above, you'll be off to a good start.

To learn more, contact a resource like Done Right Home Improvements, INC.


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