Your roof’s main purpose is to protect you, your family, and your home. A roof is a necessity, but it’s an investment. You can take precautions to ensure that this investment is protected and lasts for the entirety of its useful life by practicing proper roof maintenance.
The Importance of Proper Roof Maintenance in Gainesville, FL
A well-maintained roof saves you money over the course of its life because you’ll be able to know the health of your roof, no matter its age. A new roof can fall victim to common roofing problems just like an older roof. Just like with regular check-ups at the doctor or getting your car routinely serviced, your roof will receive the attention it needs with regular proper roof maintenance and will be healthy and ready to protect you and your family.
Extending Roof Life With Proper Roof Maintenance
Whether you just installed a new roof or it’s nearing the end of its useful life, conducting regular proper roof maintenance by carrying out these small tasks will save you money, and avoid headaches, down the road.
Clean Out Your Gutters
First, you should make sure your gutters are clear and free from any build-up. Clogged gutters can lead to a multitude of problems for your roof, especially roof leaks. Water doesn’t have a proper way to drain when your gutters are clogged, causing the water to sit on top of your roof. This increase of moisture finds its way underneath your shingles, where they are unprotected, and can cause them to curl. Extra moisture can also lead to foundational problems for your roof, like plywood rot, that will ultimately lead to roof leaks and catastrophic roof damage.
Clear Debris From Your Roof
Clearing debris is important for homeowners that have a lot of trees near their home. Loose branches should be removed near your home, especially during storm season, to avoid damage to your roof or your home. But, you should also be aware of the accumulation of leaves on the top of your roof. If leaves pile up, they can retain moisture from rainfall and trap the water on top of your roof. This can lead to damage to your shingles, making them less efficient, and can cause roof leaks.
Be Aware of Moss or Algae Growth
If your roof experiences a lot of shade, you are more prone to dealing with algae growth on your roof. Algae don’t necessarily harm your roof, but they will cause discoloration. You should avoid trying to clean your shingles yourself because you could damage the shingles, leading to more repairs. It’s best to get your roof cleaned by professionals.
Moss, on the other hand, can be damaging to your roof. Moss contains microorganisms that can cause mold growth or bacteria. This, in turn, causes your shingles to break down, meaning replacement or repairs for you. A good way to combat this is to remove the moss before it builds up.
Get a Roof Inspection
The best way to stay on top of your roof’s health is to get a roof inspection by one of our roofing professionals at least once a year. This way, you can have knowledge of problems before they become costly repairs. Some problems can go unseen by the naked eye and spread to more than one part of your roof.
Having a professional roof inspection is crucial after a storm. While physical damage is easy to spot, underlying water damage can go unnoticed. Being in North Central Florida, roofs are more susceptible to damage from hurricanes, but also the routine thunderstorms we experience year round.
Handle Problems As Soon As Possible
The best advice to extend your roof’s life is to tackle problems as quickly as possible. The biggest roofing mistake is ignoring a small problem and then it becomes a much larger problem in the future. Making small repairs or taking the time to be proactive will save you time and money down the roof. Your roof will thank you!
McFall Has Your Proper Roof Maintenance Covered
A well-maintained roof is a roof that is ready to protect you and your family for years after it’s installed. There are steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your roof, but you can make sure that your efforts are not wasted. Signing up for McFall Residential Roofing’s Maintenance Plan will make sure that your roof is properly protected all year long, and for many years after that.
Some benefits include:
- Inspections by our licensed and insured roofing contractors
- Seasonal inspections, especially before hurricane season
- Identify loose shingles, nails, and debris that require attention
- Early warning of any issues around skylights, pipes, and vents
- Receive notification of soft spots or unusual wear on individual shingles
- Recommended inspection times throughout the year
- Removal of seasonal debris and we’ll take it straight out to the curb
Interested in signing up? Contact us today to learn more.
