Roofs provide much-needed protection to your home. While they may not be the most attractive part of your house, it is important that they are in good shape and performing as designed.
Roofs that are not maintained properly can cause a number of problems that can harm your home and cost you money in the long run. Here are just a few of the many benefits of proper roof maintenance:
Prevents Water Damage
When you have proper roof maintenance, you are less likely to experience water damage to your home. This is especially true during winter, when snow can form ice dams on your roof and cause water to enter your home.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned, inspected, and repaired before the snow starts to fall. This will ensure that the water will drain away from your roof and your home.
Another way to prevent water damage is to keep your home’s plumbing in good working order. This means that you should regularly check on your sink and toilet drain taps, as grease can clog them and cause serious problems.
You should also inspect your roof for leaks and shingle debris. Look for loose or missing shingles and any moss that may be growing between them. Leaving moss on your roof can result in wood rot, which will lead to costly repairs down the road.
As for your chimney, make sure that the metal flashing is tight and secure. If it isn’t, rain can leak through it and cause major water damage to your home.
In addition, a leaky roof can allow moisture to seep into the attic, which will cause mold growth. This is a dangerous condition that can lead to health issues such as allergic responses, respiratory ailments, and other diseases.
Taking these steps to prevent water damage can save you a lot of money down the road. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home is properly maintained will be well worth it! Moreover, it will give you the security of knowing that your home is protected from weather damage.
Prevents Damage to the Interior of Your Home
The roof of your home is an important barrier that prevents unwanted outside elements from infiltrating the interior of your house. This includes preventing moisture from entering the walls and ceilings, allowing proper airflow through the ventilation system, and keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
The best way to keep your roof in tip-top shape is with a good maintenance schedule. This should include cleaning out the gutters, removing tree limbs from the yard, having your roof power washed with algaecide once or twice per year, and inspecting your roofing materials for signs of wear and tear. Consult with a Greensboro roofer at GSO Roofing to get started with regular roof inspection and maintenance.
Having the top of your home cleaned out regularly is also the best way to prevent mold from growing in the nooks and crannies. In addition, installing an ice dam protection system is the best way to protect your roof from freezing water.
Taking care of your roof is more than just protecting your belongings; it can also save you money and energy in the long run. If you haven’t done it already, consider getting a professional to come out and take a look at your roof. A qualified roofer will be able to find out what issues need to be addressed before you have to deal with a costly emergency. In the long run, having a well-maintained roof will save you money and give your family peace of mind. The best part is that it’s not as expensive as you might think. With the right care and attention, your roof will last you for years to come.
Prevents Damage to the Foundation
One of the most important ways to protect your home’s foundation is through proper roof maintenance. This prevents damage caused by moisture and ice.
During the winter, concrete expands and contracts. Exterior soil swells as well, which can cause foundations to crack and bow.
Dry weather also contributes to this problem by putting pressure on the foundation walls. Fortunately, you can prevent damage from occurring by watering the ground around your foundation regularly and evenly during drought periods.
Before the weather turns dry, walk around your home and observe where the soil is at your foundation’s base. If there is a gap between the soil and your foundation, this indicates that it is too dry.
You can check this by digging a hole about six inches deep and feeling the soil beneath the surface. If you find a large gap, it is likely too dry to support the weight of your foundation.
Another way to prevent water from pooling near your foundation is through the use of downspouts or a ground drain. Downspouts are effective at directing rainwater and roof runoff away from your home.
Plants and trees that are too close to your home can also be a cause of damage. Tree roots tend to move around a lot, and they draw water from the ground, which causes the soil to expand and disturbs the foundation walls.
Landscaping should be adjusted to slope away from your home, so that it directs water to the downspouts or ground drains instead of the foundation. Keeping the landscape consistent and not overcrowded with trees or plants will help keep the soil moist without depleting resources.
Prevents Damage to the Gutters
Gutters are a critical part of the roofing system, helping to collect and transport water away from the house. However, they can be damaged over time if they are not properly maintained or if they are not installed correctly.
When gutters are not in good condition, they can cause serious damage to your home and foundation. In fact, a clogged gutter can lead to roof rot, mold in the attic, cracked foundations, landscape erosion and basement flooding.
The first thing that a homeowner can do to prevent gutter damage is to get their gutters cleaned on a regular basis. This is particularly important in late fall, spring and early summer when a lot of accumulated leaves and other debris can clog up the gutters.
Moreover, it’s also important to clean the downspouts of a home regularly so that they don’t become clogged with debris and prevent rainwater from draining away from the foundation.
In addition to cleaning, homeowners can also get gutter covers, which can help to prevent debris from falling into the gutters and causing them to clog. These simple devices fit over the open-faced gutters and protect the home from clogs by preventing leaves and other debris from getting into the gutters.
Another important step to take to prevent gutter damage is to check the condition of your shingles and consider replacing them if they are in poor shape. The shingle granules can crack and become vulnerable to UV rays, which will allow moisture to penetrate them.
The ice dams that form on the roof when it is covered with snow are another major cause of gutter damage. When this happens, it can tear shingles and the gutters can become loose. In addition, it can cause the eaves to crack and droop.
Prevents Damage to the Exterior of Your Home
There are many things that can cause damage to your home, but proper roof maintenance can prevent this. It can also help to avoid expensive repairs down the line.
Check your shingles, flashings, tiles, vents and flues on your roof to make sure they’re in good shape and not missing or broken. Also, inspect the flashing around your chimney and vent pipes to make sure it’s firmly secured and doesn’t leak.
Clean your gutters a few times a year to prevent water from backing up and causing damage. Clogged gutters erode soil near your home and compromise your foundation.
Remove dead branches and limbs from trees near your roof to prevent them from damaging the shingles or siding. These can also be a nuisance for squirrels and other animals, which are known to chew on shingles or even enter houses through holes in the siding.
Lastly, trim overhanging tree limbs to reduce their ability to cling to the shingles and trap moisture. Moss and algae growth can also develop on shingles that aren’t properly maintained.
Seal any cracks on the exterior of your house with caulk. This can prevent the growth of mold, mildew and other contaminants that can deteriorate your insulation, ceilings, walls and other elements of your home.
Inspect your windows and doors for any cracks, as well. If they aren’t sealing in the heat and allowing air to get in, you might want to consider replacing them with new, energy-efficient ones.
If you’re worried about the impact of storms on your home, contact Thompson Creek today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your house in great condition.
