How do I Take Care of my Roof?
If you have difficulties in maintaining your roof, don’t worry! Tons of homeowners are struggling with this. But, to ensure that our home is always in top shape, we need to show it regular and proper care.
This is where we come in. Even though roofs seem strong and resistant, they are still vulnerable to some situations such as reaching old age and surviving the severe impact.
So follow this short guide on how to properly take care of your roof:
Warranties & Inspections
The first step you should do is to check the roof’s warranties. The biggest factor for roof decline is old age. Each shingle material has a lifespan. Asphalt shingles can last a maximum of 20 years, wood 35, and metal and tile can even reach a 100.
If your roof is reaching its lifespan, contact Mississauga professional roofing to check whether there are possibilities for damage. Remember that these age limits shouldn’t be taken for granted. Difficult weather, lack of maintenance and impacts can cut a roof’s lifespan in half.
Additionally, you should do inspections on an annual basis. Regularly checking your roof and attic for damage is important for your house as much as regular dentist visits are important for your teeth.
Gutters
With time, our gutters get filled with leaves, dirt and other debris. This especially happens after rainy seasons and storms. Gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year and after each storm. If you don’t remove debris from your gutters several things can happen:
- Gutters get detached
- Water accumulates on the roof and cracks it
- Large water splashes ruin your backyard
- Foundation walls get surrounded by gutter water, eventually cracking under its pressure
Luckily, gutter cleaning isn’t hard at all. You just need to remove debris, either using your hands or a broom. Afterwards, you rinse the entire area with water. In the winter, ice builds up instead of leaves.
This can significantly damage the roof structure. Removing ice buildups is more complicated and most often than not requires professional help.
Moss and Algae
As leaves build up in the gutters, so do moss and algae on the shingles. The influence of nature on the roof is completely normal, however, it should be immediately removed to prevent further complications.
The reason behind this issue is that moss and algae love damp and moist areas. They usually occur on roofs which are under shades and tend to stay cooler. These two can increase moisture levels in your attic, increasing chances for mold, cracks, and leaks.
To remove them, you should follow these steps:
- Cut tree branches around the roof
- Mix equal quantities of bleach and water
- Using a garden sprayer, cover the “infected” areas with the mixture
- Leave it for a few minutes and use a scrubber to agitate shingles
- Repeat until everything is removed
Cracks and Leaks
Here is something you should know: cracks and leaks on the roof or in the attic are always warning signs for a full replacement. The roof’s main task is to protect you from outside weather. How can it do that if draftiness and rainwater manage to get inside?
By following the tips listed above, you will significantly reduce chances for this occurrence. But, weather isn’t predictable and tons of things can happen. A falling tree branch can crack your shingles and make way for a potential roof leak.
If you notice that you have mold, rot, and leaks in the attic or that your shingles are curled up, broken and missing, contact Toronto professional roofing and find immediate solutions. You don’t want the problem spreading during the rainy season.
Available Roofing
Available Roofing is your industrial and commercial roofing company in Oakville. With over 14 years of experience in Commercial & Residential Roofing, we are proud and dedicated to offering the highest level of quality and service.