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Originally Posted On: https://www.amenityroofing.com/a-home-owners-guide-to-basic-roof-maintenance

 

The average cost to replace a roof is $8,000. That’s a pretty penny to spend and that’s not the only concern when taking on such a large renovation project. With that in mind, today we’re sharing a homeowner’s guide to basic roof maintenance.

By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your roof and avoid any costly repairs or replacements too soon. If you’re one of the many homeowners who often neglect your roof, you must pay attention to this guide.

Keep reading to get the information you need to avoid big repair costs and structural damage to your home.

1. Keep Your Gutters Clean

Keeping your gutters clean is one of the most essential things you can do to keep your roof in good shape. Water that backs up and seeps under your shingles may cause leaks and water damage if your gutters are clogged.

To avoid this, make sure to clean your gutters regularly, especially after a storm. You can do this yourself or hire a professional gutter cleaning service.

2. Inspect Your Roof Regularly

It’s also important to inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage. Look for cracked, missing, or loose shingles and make sure to repair any damage as soon as possible.

You should also check for any moss or algae growth, as this can cause your roof to deteriorate prematurely. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof for you.

3. Trim Trees Near Your Roof

Another way to prevent costly repairs is to trim any trees near your roof. Overhanging branches can fall and damage your shingles or even puncture your roof, leading to leaks.

To avoid this, trim any branches that are close to your roof and keep them trimmed on a regular basis.

4. Fix Any Leaks Right Away

If you do happen to find a leak in your roof, it’s important to fix it right away. Left unrepaired, leaks can cause water damage, mold growth, and structural damage.

Depending on the severity of the leak, you may be able to repair it yourself or you may need to hire a professional roofing contractor.

5. Wash Your Roof Regularly

It’s also a good idea to wash your roof on a regular basis. Algae and moss growth can cause your shingles to deteriorate, so it’s important to remove any growth as soon as possible.

You can wash your roof yourself with a garden hose and a brush or you can hire a professional roof cleaning service.

6. Check Your Chimney, Skylights, and Vents

Don’t forget to check your chimney, skylights, and vents for any damage. These are all potential entry points for water, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition.

If you find any damage, make sure to repair or replace the affected area as soon as possible.

7. Remove Ice Dams

If you live in an area that gets snow and ice, you need to be aware of ice dams. Ice dams can form when melting snow refreezes at the edge of your roof, causing water to back up and seep under your shingles.

To prevent this, make sure to remove any ice or snow from your roof after a storm. You can do this yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor.

8. Prevent Snow and Ice Buildup

You can also prevent snow and ice buildup on your roof by installing a roof rake. A roof rake is a tool that helps you remove snow and ice from your roof without damaging your shingles.

It’s a good idea to invest in one of these if you live in an area that gets snow and ice.

9. Get Your Roof Inspected By A Professional

Even if you follow all of these tips, it’s still a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor at least once a year.

They will be able to spot any problems that you might have missed and help you prevent costly repairs down the road.

When to Call in the Pros for Roof Maintenance

There are some roof maintenance tasks that are best left to professionals. If you’re not comfortable climbing up on your roof, it’s probably best to hire a professional roofing contractor. They have the experience and training to inspect and repair your roof safely.

Additionally, if you find any major damage, it’s always best to call in a professional. They will be able to repair the damage and help you prevent any further damage in the future.

If you’re preparing to sell your house, hiring a professional roofing contractor is another excellent idea. A professional roof inspection can provide you peace of mind by assuring you that your roof is in good shape and won’t be a deal-breaker for prospective buyers.

How to Know if Your Roof Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

It’s not always easy to tell if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to call in a professional for an inspection. They will be able to assess the damage and let you know if you need to make any repairs or replacements.

However, there are some signs that you can look for that may indicate that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced:

• Your roof is more than 20 years old
• You have missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• You have moss or algae growth on your roof
• You have leaks in your attic or ceiling
• You see daylight coming through your roof
• Your roof is sagging

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional. They will be able to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs or replacements.

When to Replace Your Roof

There are several factors that you need to consider when deciding whether or not to replace your roof. The most important factor is the age of your roof. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it’s probably time to start thinking about replacing it.

Another factor to consider is the condition of your shingles. If you have missing, cracked, or curling shingles, it’s a good idea to replace your roof. These problems can lead to leaks and other expensive repairs down the road.

Finally, you need to consider the cost of repairs. If the cost of repairs is more than 50% of the cost of a new roof, it’s probably time to replace your roof.

Get Professional Roofing Services

It’s a smart decision to outsource your roof maintenance. Don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Amenity Roofing. We offer a wide range of home improvement services, including roof inspections, repairs, and replacements in Illinois.

Get a free estimate today and let us take care of your roofing, siding, and gutter repairs and maintenance. Our licensed and professional 5-star team is on standby to help.