Your roof is one of the most important structures of your home, but it is commonly one of the most neglected. Many homeowners give their roofs very little thought until there is a leak or major damage. Your roof is designed to withstand the test of time and severe weather, but being on top of roof maintenance can help keep your roof in peak condition for the long-term. Here are some important roofing maintenance tips to help you keep your roof in shape.

Need roof repair or replacement in Charleston, SC? Contact Roof Hunters by Anderson Roofing today!

Know Before You Buy

One way to avoid expensive roofing surprises is to know as much about the roof as you can before you buy. Insist on an in-depth roof inspection before you buy a property so that you know exactly what you are getting into before you buy. Having this detailed information could help you avoid committing to a property that will require extensive repairs shortly after you buy. If you already own your home, routine maintenance will help preserve the stability and integrity of the roof.

Trim Trees & Clear Debris

Trees with low hanging branches can scratch and damage your home, leaving the underlying roofing materials exposed to the elements. If big trees are hanging over your roof or close to it, routine trimming can prevent scratching of your roof. Trimming can also reduce the chances of a large branch falling on to your roof during the next big storm.

Along with tree trimming, clearing your roof of debris can help maintain the structure of your roof. Leaves and debris that sit on your roof can cause mold and algae to grow. They can also prevent water from properly draining off of your roof, causing it to pool up in one spot. Be sure to clean out the gutters so that water can quickly run off of the roof.

Proper Ventilation

Lack of ventilation leads to dry rot, and dry rot leads to costly repairs. If your roof can’t “breathe,” your roofing materials could start to buckle, and the insulation will not be able to do its job. Many homeowners are unaware that their home is not adequately ventilated, and they are unsure about how much ventilation their attic and roof structures need.

It is recommended that for every 300 square feet of your home, there should be 1 square foot of attic exhaust. Installing vents requires experience and specific tools, so unless you have experience as a roofing contractor, it may be best to leave this roof maintenance strategy to the pros.

Check For Mold

Wet leaves that sit on your roof can be a breeding ground for mold, which can eat away at your roof and leave it exposed to the elements. Pay close attention to the areas of your roof that see very little sunlight, as this is another common place to mind mold and algae. If you notice discoloration in your roof, it could be a sign that mold is causing the roofing material to deteriorate.

A relatively easy DIY technique to remove mold from your shingles is to mix equal parts laundry strength liquid bleach with water and apply with a sprayer. If you do not feel comfortable getting up on your roof to take care of this, you can hire a professional roofer to come take care of it quickly.

Replace Shingles

A handful of shingles that seem to be curling or breaking may look like a small problem, but if left ignored could lead to bigger, more costly damages. Replacing shingles is an easy fix, and can keep your underlying roofing materials from being exposed to the sun, wind, and rain. If you notice large portions of your roof experiencing broken shingles, it may be a sign of something bigger and a roof replacement may be more cost-effective than continually replacing shingles.

Call The Pros

If you haven’t ever had a comprehensive roof inspection done, that is something you should do as soon as possible to get a realistic idea of the status of your roof and what you can expect when it comes to repairs and replacements in the next 5-10 years. An in-depth estimate is free and can give you peace of mind that your roof is in good shape—or give you the chance to be proactive and fix small issues before they become more significant.

Roof maintenance is an integral part of homeownership, but it requires a specific skill set and comes with its own set of risks. Never put yourself in a risky or dangerous situation to check the status of your roof. In Charleston, SC, contact Roof Hunters at Anderson Roofing to take the first step in making sure your roof is performing its best.