Whether your roof is brand new or years old, there are things you have to do to keep it in its optimum shape for the longest time possible. A new roof is a costly proposition that can hit you up for an average of $18,000 for composition shingles and more than $35,000 for high-end materials. Even if your current roof is already years old, keeping it in good shape will help lengthen its life and prevent premature replacement. Here are a few things you need to do if you want to get the most out of your roof.
Clean The Gutters
A wet basement as well as ruined siding paint are common issues caused by clogged gutters. However, it may even surprise you once you find out that the overflow can go upward as well. Once leaves pile deeply in the gutters, water can wick into the roof sheathing and cause it as well as the roof rafters to rot.
Repairing that type of damage could cost you thousands of dollars. Fortunately, you can avoid this by cleaning your gutters every fall and spring. You can do it yourself if you are comfortable working on a ladder or you can hire a professional roofing contractor.
Remove The Leaves
In case you have a simple peaked roof that is surrounded by low landscaping, your roof will most likely stay clear of leaves by itself. However, if the roof is much more complicated or in case there are towering trees close by, then you can expect leaves to accumulate close to the chimney or in roof valleys. If you ignore them, these leaves can trap moisture and decompose gradually, letting moisture build up in your roof and even create a setting that is ideal for weed growth.
In case you have a low sloped roof or a one-story home, you might be able to take out the leaves using a soft car washing brush placed on a telescoping pole. You can also use a roof leaf lake or a leaf blower.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Tree trimming is one good way of keeping leaves and moss off the roof. It also helps make sure that your roof is damage free. Abrasion caused by tree limbs as well as leaves that come in contact with the roof can cause damage to shingles, especially during high winds. Overhanging branches also provide rodents access to your roof, allowing them to gnaw on the siding and the roof. Tree branches have to be at least 10 feet away from you if you want to keep these pests at bay. In case that is not possible, you can wrap the trunk of the tree with a sheet metal bank so these pesky critters can’t climb the tree.
Look and Listen
After a storm or if you’ve have noticed or heard some scurrying on your roof at night, don’t forget to give your roof a quick check to make sure that everything is in place. Search for loose, curling, or missing shingles as well as damaged flashing, around chimneys, skylights, and vents. If something seems amiss, you have to call a North Myrtle Beach roofing contractor right away.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Maintenance Tips To Make Your Roof Last For A Long Time
Whether your roof is brand new or years old, there are things you have to do to keep it in its optimum shape for the longest time possible. A new roof is a costly proposition that can hit you up for an average of $18,000 for composition shingles and more than $35,000 for high-end materials. Even if your current roof is already years old, keeping it in good shape will help lengthen its life and prevent premature replacement. Here are a few things you need to do if you want to get the most out of your roof.
Clean The Gutters
A wet basement as well as ruined siding paint are common issues caused by clogged gutters. However, it may even surprise you once you find out that the overflow can go upward as well. Once leaves pile deeply in the gutters, water can wick into the roof sheathing and cause it as well as the roof rafters to rot.
Repairing that type of damage could cost you thousands of dollars. Fortunately, you can avoid this by cleaning your gutters every fall and spring. You can do it yourself if you are comfortable working on a ladder or you can hire a professional roofing contractor.
Remove The Leaves
In case you have a simple peaked roof that is surrounded by low landscaping, your roof will most likely stay clear of leaves by itself. However, if the roof is much more complicated or in case there are towering trees close by, then you can expect leaves to accumulate close to the chimney or in roof valleys. If you ignore them, these leaves can trap moisture and decompose gradually, letting moisture build up in your roof and even create a setting that is ideal for weed growth.
In case you have a low sloped roof or a one-story home, you might be able to take out the leaves using a soft car washing brush placed on a telescoping pole. You can also use a roof leaf lake or a leaf blower.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Tree trimming is one good way of keeping leaves and moss off the roof. It also helps make sure that your roof is damage free. Abrasion caused by tree limbs as well as leaves that come in contact with the roof can cause damage to shingles, especially during high winds. Overhanging branches also provide rodents access to your roof, allowing them to gnaw on the siding and the roof. Tree branches have to be at least 10 feet away from you if you want to keep these pests at bay. In case that is not possible, you can wrap the trunk of the tree with a sheet metal bank so these pesky critters can’t climb the tree.
Look and Listen
After a storm or if you’ve have noticed or heard some scurrying on your roof at night, don’t forget to give your roof a quick check to make sure that everything is in place. Search for loose, curling, or missing shingles as well as damaged flashing, around chimneys, skylights, and vents. If something seems amiss, you have to call a North Myrtle Beach roofing contractor right away.
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