When roof repair costs anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000, you want to take active measures to prevent roof damage. Your roof is one of the most important investments that you will make in a home. Many times, the value of a home rises and falls based on the roof condition. That fact makes it even more important to take action and prevent roof damage when possible. Let’s look at the things you can do to keep your roof in the best condition.
Clear out the Gutters
You want to clean the gutters at least twice a year because the gutters act as a water defense. The rain gutters remove the water through the spouts and away from the home’s foundation. When the rain gutters don’t work as they should, the water pools on the roof, which can create moisture, leaks, and rot. You want to clean the rain gutters once in the autumn and once at the beginning of spring.
Blocked rain gutters can also freeze. You don’t want this to happen because as it freezes, it expands. When this happens, it leaves your rain gutters susceptible to cracking or warping due to the extra pressure. Considering how rain gutters alone will cost you an average of $3,000 per home, you don’t want to take that lightly. The damage to gutters will damage the roof at the same time if you don’t replace them quickly.
Typically, it would be best to hire a professional to clean the gutters because it avoids the risk that you would suffer an injury during the cleaning.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Whenever the wind blows on the trees, it can snap tree branches that fall on the roof. The shingles risk wearing down sooner because of this, and it puts your home at risk of leaks. Because of their weight, tree branches do a significant amount of damage. Many times, they will damage more than the shingles, and they can compromise the structural integrity of the home if big enough. Even small branches can scratch the roof.
The other danger from overhanging branches comes from how it creates an environment where moss can comfortably grow in the shade. Moss in large quantities will attract moisture, and it lifts up the shingles to cause leaks.
Never Pressure Wash the Roof
Never clean the roof with a pressure washer for any reason. Pressure washers have too much power behind them, and they can damage your roof. The biggest danger from them comes from how the pressure can loosen the granules of asphalt shingles, which will leave your roof exposed to UV rays. UV rays will cause cracks and sometimes ruptures in the roof. Over time, this accelerates the damage and can lead to more leaks.
Another danger is how as the granules loosen on the shingles, they will fall off into the rain gutters. Usually, granules by themselves aren’t enough to cause a clog, but they will add to the blockage, and it’s not good to lose the granules on your shingles because it weakens your shingles.
Try Not to Walk on the Roof
As much as possible, you should avoid walking on the roof. In fact, it’s safer to hire professionals like the New Jersey roofing company RGB Construction. We take the risk so that you don’t have to worry. Walking on the roof poses some danger of it getting damaged. You can accidentally dislodge the shingles or create a gap that allows water to seep into the home.
The severity of the damage from walking on the roof will depend on the time of the year that you do it. Damp or slippery areas create the worst conditions for potential damage.
Leave the Roof Vents Open
Even in the winter months, you need to leave the roof vents open because it removes the moisture from the attic. Never put anything up against the vents that would block this function. When blocked, it will create moisture that can cause rot, mildew, and other issues. Some mistaken homeowners might think that they can save money on heating costs, but the vents serve a crucial purpose even during the winter months.
Monitor Potential Damage to the Roof
After a severe storm, check the roof for signs of damage and repair it as soon as possible. Homeowner’s insurance will typically cover damage to the roof from a bad storm. Check the roof using a pair of binoculars for signs of lifted, cracked, or curled shingles. You may want to check the wear around chimneys and vents because this area is especially susceptible.
Keeping a well-maintained roof will ensure that it remains less vulnerable to bad storms. Poorly maintained roofs become increasingly vulnerable to storm damage. You can maintain your roof by hiring roofing professionals, but also taking a proactive approach with your roof.
Conclusion
You want to repair a damaged roof as soon as possible because how roof repairs tend to worsen over time if left alone. You can do this by hiring an NJ roofing contractor. At RGB Construction, we have served the community in South Jersey since 2008. We strive to provide our customers with the best roofing services. Our lifetime warranty on some of our premium products is just one of the many reasons to do business with us. You can call us today at 856-264-9093.
