In the previous parts of this series, we discussed what types of roofing warranties are available to you, should you need them. If you hired a high-quality contractor, there’s a good chance that you won’t need the warranty. However, you shouldn’t be lax about roof maintenance. No matter how good your contractor is, if you fail to maintain a new roof, it might not last as long as you expected it to.
Here are a few roof maintenance tips that will make your roof last longer and save you money on repair costs after the warranty period.
Clean your gutters
One of the most common reasons why roofs and gutters start to leak is because of debris that blocks the normal flow of water. You can’t imagine what people find in their gutters. By checking your gutters regularly, you’ll be able to make sure that there are no blockages.
You should also check for any stagnant water, even if the draining system is clear. Stagnant water is a sign that the gutter is poorly sloped, or that it is sagged or dipped.
Check that gutters are always secure
Gutters can come loose, especially if you live in an area with frequent high winds or hurricanes. If you find loose gutters, you should have them fixed before the gutter falls off.
Trim trees near the roof
If you have a tree or two near the roof, make sure that no branches or leaves hang over or cover a portion of the roof. If they do, make sure you trim them or you’ll need to clean your roof more frequently than you may really want to.
Remove snow
During winter, thick slabs of snow can damage your roof. If it snowed heavily, rake the snow off immediately – or at least, as soon as the weather clears.
If you take the time to maintain your roof, you’ll save yourself from a lot of future potential roofing problems. Checking on your roof once or twice a month should suffice. Make sure as well to check your roof after every major weather disturbance, if only to make sure that nothing’s come loose.
