Since it’s not really something that you use or even see every day, it can be easy to overlook your home’s roof when it comes to maintaining and taking care of your property. However, the roof is one of the most important parts of your home – without it, you’d have no shelter from the elements and your home would be simply uninhabitable. Because of this, it’s vital to keep your roof in good condition, especially during the winter months when the cold weather can cause a myriad of problems that could lead to damage to the rest of your property or even pose a health risk to yourself and your family. Here are our top tips on taking the best care of your roof.
Tip #1. Inspect it Regularly
In order to keep your roof in the best condition, it’s important that you’re always aware of anything that’s going on with it. Ideally, you should inspect your roof at least twice per year, both from the outside and inside. You can inspect your roof from the outside using a good pair of binoculars that will allow you to see it up close, or delegate the task to an experienced roof repair company or handyman who has the tools and experience necessary to get up on your roof safely and give it the once-over. From the inside, you should inspect your roof from your loft or attic. When you’re in the loft, look out for daylight – if you can see the light coming through, it’s usually a sign that something is missing on the outside.
Tip #2. Solve Issues Quickly
If you notice that anything is wrong with your roof, it’s important to make sure that it doesn’t become a job that keeps on getting put off for a later date. Problems with your roof might seem small and insignificant at the beginning, but over time, small issues such as loose tiles or broken roof shingles can weaken the structure and lead to costly, time-consuming roof repairs being necessary.
Tip #3. Keep Your Gutters Clean
Gutters that are dirty and clogged with debris can not only cause issues around the outside of your home and lead to nasty leaks, they can also cause damage to your roof. Leaves and other debris in your gutters can, over time, decrease the efficiency of your gutters and lead to water collecting in the gutters and on the roof rather than draining away. Not only will this weaken your gutters, it can also lead to damp in your roof and even leaks into your home.
Tip #4. Ventilate Your Attic
Putting a skylight or vents into your attic is definitely a good idea when it comes to looking after your roof, since the hot air in your attic needs to be properly ventilated to ensure that the underside of your roof does not become too heated. Too much heat in the attic can put pressure on your roof and cause damage to its structure.