Tips for Protecting Your Roof, by Stay Dry Roofing
Getting a roof to last may seem like a daunting task. It is something many homeowners worry about, but in reality, it is easy. All it takes is proper care and remembering that an ounce of prevention is indeed worth more than a pound of roof repair when it comes to protecting your roof.
By following the right maintenance routine, staying up with monthly care, and keeping an eye out for warning signs of roofing issues, anyone can keep a roof in great shape. If you are unsure about what you should be doing to keep your roof in good shape then read on to learn more and if you need a helping hand with any of these care points, Stay Dry Roofing, serving the greater Indianapolis area, is here for you!
With just a little extra effort by protecting your roof through proper roof care practices, you can make sure that it will last for many years to come. There’s nothing quite like knowing that, after a long work day or having to drive through a nasty seasonal storm, a secure and safe home is waiting. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of being a homeowner.
Of course, knowing that someday you’ll have to replace that roof is often one of the most daunting parts. With roof replacement costs averaging nearly $34,500, according to the 2014 Cost vs. Value Report, you have plenty of incentive for protecting your roof in order to get the best and longest possible wear from it. Proper roof care practices can go a long way to protect your investment.
Protecting Your Roof: Active Maintenance
Like any high-end investment you decide to make, the best way to protect it is to take care of it. The best plan in protecting your roof is to have an active maintenance plan rather than a passive one. Home maintenance may be the last thing on your mind when you would rather be lounging in front of the TV on a lovely Sunday. But being active with the care of your roof is the best way to go about protecting your roof investment.
Fortunately, this active maintenance in protecting your roof doesn’t have to happen every weekend, and doing so doesn’t necessarily need to be time and labor intensive. But, basic care needs to be done at least once a month. It all begins with simply taking a look at your roof and checking for signs of issues that may be lurking. It’s not strictly necessary to do this from the roof top. If you can see each side of your roof from eaves to peak from the ground, then take a pair of binoculars and a notepad outside. Using the binoculars, carefully scan the roof top to bottom, making notes about anything that seems out of the ordinary. At the minimum, you need to do an in-depth check of your roof before the snows fall in winter and before the rains begin to fall in spring.
Certain things that you might see during these checks should be taken care of right away. That’s when, if you’re physically able, you will need to get up on the roof. If you are unsure that you’re able, or definitely know it’s not something you should risk, it’s best to call in a professional service for this part of protecting your roof.
In either case, make sure the roof is swept clean of any debris. Clear out the gutters so they drain freely, and wash any areas of the roof showing moss or mold growth. Also, you need to make sure you are always keeping an eye out for any signs that there is damage to shingling, such as gaps or cracks in the shingles. Look for signs of water damage in the attic or ceilings inside, too. Proper roof care practices hinge on being active, and many times being proactive, when it comes to looking for trouble areas. Protecting your roof is indeed an active maintenance issue!
Protecting Your Roof: Preventative Measures
It has been said many times, but needs to be reinforced: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Chances are you have seen this play out time and time again in everyday life but these words are doubly true when it comes to protecting your roof. Investing time, money, and energy into preventative care now will really help you stay on top of your roof work. It will go a long way in keeping you from having to replace the entire structure prematurely or having to face other expensive repairs.
The first place you need to tackle is the attic. You want to make sure the attic has ample insulation. This helps prevent snow and ice melt during the winter, and limits the growth of ice dams. In warmer rainy seasons, it helps to regulate air flow and keeps your attic and home comfortable and dry. Consider adding a layer of vapor retarder with your insulation for some extra protection against minor water leaks. These measures go a long way in protecting your roof.
Next, you need to work on ventilation. Good ventilation keeps the roof and attic (and the rest of your home!) dry, and helps fight water damage, mold growth and moss formation. Take a look at your attic’s vents to the outside, and check to make sure they are clean and free of debris. If they are really dirty or clogged, you should call in a roofing expert. Ensuring that every aspect of your home and roof care system is in line is the best way to go about protecting your roof with proper roof care practices.
The final thing in protecting your roof through prevention is a bit obvious, yet many homeowners do not think about it until it is already causing problems. Cut away any overhanging tree limbs so they are not rubbing against your roof, and so there is less chance of them falling during a storm and taking out part of your roof with them. It will give you much peace of mind!
Protecting Your Roof: Catch Problems Early
Protecting your roof by catching problems early is best. Most roofing issues start off small, but can quickly grow into major hassles and headaches. Here are a few things you should keep an eye out for:
- Any sagging or leaning. Roofs that sag or lean where they shouldn’t can indicate major underlying issues.
- Obvious patches and cracks. These obvious signs cannot be ignored and need to be fixed sooner rather than later.
- Torn, cracked, or missing shingles. Shingles need to be replaced and properly maintained to ensure you roof stays strong.
- Check chimneys, vents, sky lights, and pipes. Ensure all flashing and materials around these roofing structures are in good shape.
- Gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are firmly attached and clear of debris so they can do their job.
- A large accumulation of debris. Clean leaf litter and limbs from the roof, because too much accumulation can trap moisture and cause rot.
Protecting Your Roof with Stay Dry Roofing in Indianapolis
No homeowner ever wants to deal with the prospect of a new roof installation, especially when damage that could have been avoided makes that happen prematurely. While roof replacement is inevitable for any long-term homeowner, there is a lot you can do to make your roof last as long as possible. Protecting your roof is one of the many responsibilities you have as a homeowner. Proper roof care practices can go a long way in protecting the investment you make in your roof.
The best way to do this is to take care of the roof you already have, and get as many years out of it as possible. Be active rather than passive when it comes to roof maintenance. Ensuring you deal with issues that arise before they have a chance to grow into a major headache is the first important step in protecting your roof.
Does your family follow a roof maintenance routine? If not, then contact Stay Dry Roofing in Indianapolis at (317) 308-7773. We can help you set one up and ensure all of your roofing needs are met. If you do have a roof maintenance plan in place, let us review it with you, and ensure that everything is being done in protecting your roof and your investment. Ask for FREE quote. No-charge estimates are all a part of what makes us a preferred roofing company in the area.