The roof is the first line of defense for your home, and whenever we are taking care of things, we start with the priorities. It is not an exception to your home either. Since the roof protects your home from the top, you need to make sure that it is perfectly maintained all the time. Also, it is one of the greatest investments that can considerably increase the value of your home. So, we have prepared a list of useful tips that will help you improve and fix your roof in a smart and efficient way.
You Must Locate the Source of Leak
In the majority of cases, this is easier said than done. One of the most obvious signs of roof leaks is ceiling stains. You will have to conduct a detailed roof inspection that will help you spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Also, another very obvious sign of roof leaks is worn-out or clogged gutters.
So, it would be of the utmost importance to check out your gutters and see if there are problems with them as well. In some cases, clogged gutters may cause water to be splashed all over the shingles, causing the leaks. In addition, you need to check out the space around the chimney and see if there are any loose materials.
Damaged, Missing, and Rotten Shingles
As previously said, you must know that regular roof inspections are vital for proper roof maintenance. Rotten, missing, and damaged shingles can cause some minor leaks that can manifest as stains on the ceiling; but, if the leak is not relatively new, it can cause some serious problems such as construction problems which will require entire roof replacement. Just as the folks at https://walker-roofing.com/wallingford-pa/ suggest, it is of great importance to use premium materials for your roof if you want to ensure durability and quality. Good materials will result in many years of use and will definitely be a long-run investment. So, when you notice a missing or broken shingle, you must immediately replace it. Otherwise, you might face more serious problems.
Work on the Insulation
Even though this is quite a deal, it needs to be discussed due to the importance of this part of the roof. An insulated roof has many benefits, and you need to be aware of them. Ventilation and insulation can prevent a whole lot of problems, such as problems with mold and moisture in your home as well as dramatic hot air leaks, which will result in quite high energy bills. Your home’s attic is the most important part of your home when it comes to energy savings. First things first, it provides ventilation space, which is the most important part if you want to eliminate mold and rot.
Another important aspect is the creation of the extra barrier made by insulation. According to some statistics, over 26% of heat leaves through your roof and you can reduce it by putting in insulation materials that will simply lock the heat in. Also, once your roof starts heating, it will basically melt the ice away and contribute to the maintenance of your roof. This way, you will not have to remove ice manually.
Wash the Roof
Washing the roof is one of the smartest things you can do since it can help you remove all the branches and debris cluttered on the surface of your roof. You can use a high-pressure water pump to remove and scoop them up before they can cause some more serious problems, such as clogging your gutters. In addition, moss and algae can be found on the shingles of a huge number of roofs.
In small amounts, these spores are not so harmful, but if left unchecked or unattended, they can damage the surface of the shingles and cause their decay. If you want to effectively remove moss and algae, then try using one part of water and one part of bleach to do so. Another thing you can do is install copper strips beneath the roof peak so it can significantly reduce their growth.
The importance of a roof is immense; it is the first line of defense and it is responsible for keeping our home safe and sound. However, just like any part of your home, it simply demands proper maintenance. Checking and fixing small parts on your roof is an effective way to keep it safe for a while. However, if there are some more serious problems, you need to call in a professional.
