Getting your roof to last is easy because all it takes is proper care. By following the correct maintenance routine, you can keep your roof in great shape. Aside from your home’s heating and cooling systems and windows, your roofing is the most critical thing to stay on top of as a homeowner.
Fortunately, maintaining your roof does not require a lot of time, effort, or money. You merely need to follow the proper steps to ensure you take the best care of your roofing system. It’s also advisable to learn the basics of roof upkeep and how to invest in low-cost changes to save you money and headaches in the future.
We have compiled a guide to help you get your Norwood, MA, roof in tiptop condition and ensure it lasts for decades.
Keep an Active Maintenance Routine
Given the sizable investment you put in your roof, ensuring an active maintenance routine allows you to keep it in good condition. Roof care should occur at least twice a year and after a storm. Make an effort to have your roof inspected during the start of fall and spring (before and after winter). This way, you prepare your roof for winter storms and the hot summer weather.
A roof inspector will examine your entire roofing system to determine its health. They will check your shingles for damage, cracks, curling, and mold. The inspector can also determine if your roof needs repairs or a replacement.
Some DIY tasks include:
- Removing overgrown tree branches
- Clearing any buildup from the gutters and downspouts
- Spraying areas showing signs of moss growth (keep in mind power washing could void your warranty)
- Keeping an eye out for water leaks and penetration into your attic or ceiling
During winter, make it a weekly routine to walk around your home and look for apparent damage. Check for debris, damaged gutters, ice dams, missing shingles, and anything else which seems out of place.
Invest in Preventative Measures
Prevention helps maintain your roofing system’s integrity and keeps you from having to replace it sooner than necessary. First, tackle the attic and ensure it has suitable insulation and good ventilation.
- Proper insulation keeps the temperature inside your attic the same as the outside, preventing the pooling of water vapor on the underside of your roof. Also consider adding a vapor retarder underneath the insulation.
- Proper ventilation works with the insulation to protect the underside of your roof.
- Finally, ensure the attic’s vents are free of debris. In addition, it is advisable to cut away overhanging tree branches which could crash into your roof or windows.
Keep Comprehensive Records of the Roof
Your roof maintenance begins with organization, so it is wise to keep a roofing record of all inspections, repairs, maintenance, and other pertinent information. Also, keep a record of the roof’s warranty, insurance information, quotes, and estimates. Finally, don’t forget to include information about the roof’s history, for example, its installation date and the expected date of the next replacement.
Catch Problems Early
Climbing onto your roof is a safety risk, and you could end up causing more harm, both to you and your home. However, you could walk around your home and check for the following:
- Missing or broken shingles
- Obvious patches and cracks
- Debris
- Granules in your gutters and downspouts
- Areas of the previous repair to see how it is holding up
- Moss or algae growth
- Detached gutters
You can also check the interior of your home and your attic for signs of water leakage and moisture. Look for wet walls and mold or mildew growth.
Inspecting your roof lets you know when something is wrong because you know what it looks like when properly maintained. It also allows you to do minor, manageable fixes as opposed to extensive repairs and renovations.
Hire an Experienced Professional
Yes, the internet is full of DIY guides to help people get through projects. However, your roof is one of the few areas you should never attempt to climb to inspect for damages or do repairs. Instead, hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof and do the necessary maintenance.
Only hire a trusted, licensed, and reliable residential roofing professional, preferably a local roofer who knows the area. Professional contractors will back up their repairs and maintenance work with guarantees and warranties, saving you money moving forward. If you need a reliable roof inspection, maintenance, replacement, or emergency repair services for your Norwood, MA, home, contact O’LYN Roofing today. We have provided our valued community with superior roofing solutions for over 40 years. We are happy to discuss your various roofing concerns and provide a free estimate up-front for your next project.
