The roof over your head is one of the most essential parts of your home. Taking care of your roof is easy, but many homeowners neglect their roof until it’s too late and they have to replace the entire roof. Since replacing a roof is a considerable expense in Atascadero, CA, below are some ways to make your roof last longer.
1. Annual Roof Inspection
The easiest way to make your roof last longer is to hire roofing professionals to inspect your roof once or twice a year. They can point out signs of damage that you might miss, and they can catch minor issues before they become more expensive problems.
2. Check Attic Ventilation
Ventilation is vital for your home as it prevents water vapor buildup. Excess moisture damages the rafters and other areas of the roof. Check the vents of your attic and ensure they’re clear of debris. You should also install screens to prevent animals from entering your home.
3. Cut Away Overhanging Limbs
While trees provide shade for your home during the hot Atascadero months and improve the appearance of your house, the branches of your trees threaten the structural integrity of your roof if they’re too close. In inclement weather, there’s an increased threat that an overhanging branch will fall and damage your roof. Branches also provide squirrels and other pests access to your roof and inside your home.
4. Don’t Power Wash Shingles
While power washing produces amazing results, shingles are one of the few items you shouldn’t power wash. The concentrate water in the spray loosens the top coat of the shingles, or even removes shingles if you’re not careful.
5. Keep Your Roof Clean
While it’s not advisable to power wash your roof, it is crucial to keep your roof clean. A simple garden hose can wash off leaves, and you can use a telescoping pole with a soft brush on one end, a leaf blower, or a roof rake to remove debris from your roof.
6. Look for Leaks or Damage
There are some issues with your roof that you can’t see on the outside, but you can find them when you look at the underside of your roof. Check for mold growth, leaks, or stains on rafters and other support structures in your attic.
7. Proper Attic Insulation
Insulation is important no matter where you live. Not only does insulation help keep your home warm in winter, but cooler in the summer months. Insulation also improves your home’s energy efficiency by preventing drafts that let in colder air.
8. Regularly Clean Gutters
If you have clogged gutters, the water can’t flow away from your roof and backs up underneath shingles, finding imperfections that allow water droplets into your home. Gutter guards prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutters but allow water to flow away from your roof.
The roof of your home should last a long time with proper maintenance. Contact Ribas Roofing in Atascadero, CA, for all your roofing inspection, repair, and replacement needs. Whatever your roofing needs, you can count on us to exceed your expectations.
