8 Maintenance Tips To Get The Most Out of Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most important systems in your home and requires periodic maintenance in order to get the most out of its lifespan. Your roof is a large financial investment and keeping it properly maintained — or not — can either add or subtract to the amount of years you can trust it to keep your home safe and dry. There are a few fundamental things that you should do as a homeowner to keep your roof doing its job for as long as possible.

Inspect Your Shingles

Although windy and wet weather can be tough on a home’s shingles, the intense sunlight can also cause them to break down. Make sure to examine your shingles periodically, especially after weather occurrences.

Keep it Well Ventilated

Ventilation and insulation are important to the longevity of your roof. Keeping air circulating throughout the attic space helps regulate temperatures in warm weather. Proper ventilation will also help prevent moisture from building up under the roof which can cause multiple problems such as mold, rot, the breakdown of insulation materials and even some structural issues.

Keep Leaks at Bay

Keeping your roof watertight is extremely important to ensure against leaking and damage that can be costly. You can do this by caulking any visible holes at corners, joints or chimneys. If you detect a leak and don’t feel comfortable dealing with it on your own, you should call a San Mateo roofer to come out to make an assessment.

Keep it Clean

Periodic cleaning and sealing can keep mold, mildew, and moss at bay. Keeping your roof clean and treated against future growth are good practices to ensure its lifespan. Some homeowners have good luck using zinc sulphate granules to inhibit further growth.

Keep Trees Trimmed

Tree branches can rub up against rooftops, not only damaging shingles but branches can fall and damage the roof during large storms. Keeping them trimmed ensures that they will not potentially damage the roof during weather occurrences.

Unclog Your Gutters

Gutters are meant to direct water away from the roof and the foundation of your home. However, clogged gutters can inhibit water from draining properly away from the roof. Excess leaves and debris can actually cause water to wash up onto the roof instead of down and away. This can damage not only the roofing material itself but also the roof beams that hold it up.

Keep Flashings Caulked

Flashings divert water in tricky areas that shingles can’t cover properly. Flashings can be subject to cracking, lifting, separating and rusting which can leave patches of your exposed. Sealing these places with caulk is important to prevent leaks and for your roof’s protection.

Roofing Inspections

For many homes, especially ones with older roofs, it’s a good idea to get the assessment of a professional roofer in San Mateo to ensure that your roof is structurally sound. Having a roof inspection done periodically provides peace of mind and can often find a problem in the making before it becomes an emergency. If you are looking for a professional assessment of your roof or you require roof repairs, let Shelton Roofing help. We have been in business since 1942 and offer a wide range of roofing solutions. Contact us today for a free quote.