Effective roof maintenance for Pickens homeowners should center on preventing damage due to weather conditions. The elements arguably pose the most risk for your new roof, as heavy rains, ice, wind and fallen trees can slowly degrade shingles over time, or worse, puncture the roofing. These are the best maintenance tips for homeowners who are willing to put a little work into roof maintenance to get a lasting investment over the long haul.
- Keep landscaping trimmed. Tree branches that hover over or close to the roof or trees that have overgrown and are crowding the home should be trimmed back or removed. With heavy rains or windy conditions, those trees branches are likely to snap and fall on your roof. If the damage doesn't actually penetrate through the roof, the gradual wear and tear will degrade its quality.
- Stay on top of gutters and downspouts. These play a critical role in your home's drainage and in keeping water off of the roof. Make sure that gutters are free of debris by periodically cleaning them out. Keep an eye on drainage, too, ensuring that water is ushered away from the home.
- Inspect the roof. Whenever you can get a good vantage point from afar, visually inspect the roof. Look for missing shingles, tree branches and so forth. It's also helpful to schedule a professional inspection, as a roofing maintenance expects knows the early signs of damage or wear.
- Inspect flashing. Flashing is the metal material that's installed over joints, ensuring that water can't seep through areas where shingles butt up against the chimney, for example. The flashing should be in good condition, too, with no rust.
- Keep the roof clear. Even leaves, small sticks, or debris can let algae or mold grow. These components can also cause gutters to clog.
Avoid the stress that weather conditions place on a roof. For more information about roof maintenance or to schedule an inspection, contact Findlay Roofing today!
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