Your roof requires maintenance throughout the year to keep it in great shape and prevent premature wear and tear from developing. Although you may assume you need to leave all of the work to a professional roofer, there are still tasks you can complete yourself. Here are a few typical tasks involved with roofing maintenance and what you can do compared to relying on a roofing service.
Clean the Gutters
Gutter maintenance is an easy task to perform that doesn’t require any special tools or equipment. Clean the gutters every six months to remove dirt and debris that starts to accumulate, which can prevent water from draining off of the roof properly. This will reduce the risk of leaks and can allow water to be redirected away from your home’s foundation.
Look for Missing Shingles
Check your yard for missing shingles that may have fallen off of your roof after a major storm or harsh weather conditions. You can also perform a visual inspection of the roofing structure to determine if any parts of the roof are exposed, which can increase the risk of leaks. If you notice a few shingles are missing, you can hire a professional to secure them back onto the roof with roofing cement.
Remove Moss
Moss is not only unattractive but can cause the roofing materials to deteriorate on your home. It’s easy to remove moss by using a spray roof moss remover. Use a solution of eight ounces of dish soap and two gallons of water to remove the moss without causing damage to the shingles with harsh chemicals. Avoid using a pressure washer, which can cause the shingles to fall off.
Once you understand the steps you can take to maintain your roof throughout the year, it can save you money and allow you to rely on a professional only when it’s necessary. Performing small steps every few months can avoid expensive repairs and increase the lifespan of your roof to ensure you can get more use out of it in the coming years.