The Basics Of Taking Care Of Your First Roof

When it comes to the roof on your first, you want to make sure that you understand how to take proper care of it. Learning to take care of your roof should be one of the first maintenance tasks you master as a new homeowner. Your roof protects your home, making learning about residential roof maintenance.

Basic #1: Remove Debris from Your Roof

Sometimes, especially after a big storm, you may notice debris, like small branches sitting on your roof.  If you have trees that overhang your roof, you may also accumulate a fair amount of debris on your roof.

Don't let debris sit on your roof; as it sits on your roof, other debris can get caught up on the larger debris, leading to the buildup of water, and creating an environment for moss and algae to grow on your roof. If you notice debris on your roof, get up and remove it as soon as possible.  

Basic #2: Take Care of Trees Near Your Roofline

If you have any trees that are growing right next to or overhang your roof, you are going to want to spend extra time taking care of those trees. Ideally, you should trim those tees so that their branches no longer overhang your roof.

Branches that overhang your roof increase the chance of debris accumulation on your roof and increase the chance of your roof being damaged by the impact of a falling branch or tree.

Basic #3: Caulk Around the Flashing

Most roofs have some flashing in place. Flashing is the material that goes around the base of your chimney and vents. Flashing is held in place with caulking, which generally wears down far before the flashing does.

At least once a year, check the state of the caulking around the flashing on your roof, and reapply the caulk if it is worn down at all. This will help keep water from getting through your flashing and damaging your roof.

Basic #4: Clean Your Gutters

For your gutters to work properly, they need to be free of debris. If your gutters are full of debris, they are not going to be able to function properly. Debris such as leaves, and sticks will make their way into your gutters over the course of a year. It is advisable to clean your gutters at least twice a year to keep they from getting clogged up.

Basic #5: Keep an Eye Out for Worn Out Shingles

Finally, you need to keep an eye out for worn out shingles. If you notice any shingles are worn out, curling up, or just missing, you should get them replaced as soon as possible. Your shingles are the first defense keeping moisture from going through your roof and into your home, and when that defense is compromised, your home is at risk.

When it comes to taking care of your roof, you want to make sure that you understand the basics. Most importantly, you don't have to do it alone. You can hire a roofing company to inspect and perform maintenance each year. You can hire a gutter cleaning company to clean out your gutters a few times a year.

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