If you want to start the new year off right, be sure to check your roof and make sure it’s in top condition. After all, maintaining your roof is much less expensive than having to pay for repairs or even a premature roof replacement! To keep your roof healthy, strong and prevent minor issues from developing into serious problems, follow these roof maintenance tips.
- Inspect the shingles. It’s easy to forget to look up and visually inspect your home’s shingles. This essential task should be performed every few months under normal conditions, and always following severe weather or high winds in your area. Keep an eye out for shingles that are missing, cracked, curling or peeling. These visual inspections don’t require you to pull out the ladder and climb up to the roof – a simple pair of binoculars is all you need. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, call a roofing professional right away.
- Clear out the gutters. Blockage in the gutters will cause a host of problems that can be damaging to your roof and other parts of your home’s exterior, such as the soffit, fascia, siding and even the foundation. Clean out your gutters at least twice a year in late spring and early fall. Remove leaves, twigs and any other leaf debris that has the potential to cause clogs down the road. Doing so will also help prevent damaging ice dams in the winter.
- Trim back overhanging tree limbs. It’s never a good idea to have tree limbs hanging over your roof; all it takes is one good storm to cause one of them to come crashing down on your roof. Trimming back limbs that are looming over your roof as well as those that are close to your house will help prevent such incidents. In addition, fewer limbs mean fewer leaves deposited in your gutters.
- Check attic insulation. If your attic isn’t well-insulated, not only will you have problems with ice dams on your roof in the winter, you’ll also have moisture problems that can lead to wood rot as well as insect infestation and problems with pests. Having the right amount of insulation as well as proper ventilation will help prevent these issues.
Learn More About Gutter Helmet®
Here at Gutter Helmet, we not only install the best gutter systems but also the best gutter covers! To find out more about what we can do for you, give us a call at (800) 824-3772 or complete our online contact form.
