Are you clued up on roof maintenance and what needs to be done to keep your roof in the best condition? Since we bought our home we have realised that roof maintenance is an important task that we, as homeowners, should do regularly. And we didn’t learn this the easy way either. Sadly, we have had numerous issues with our roof that have resulted in costly and damaging leaks. We are now saving up to replace the entire roof as it no longer makes sense to keep footing the roof repair costs. I’ve written before about knowing when it’s time to get a new roof and for us, it is definitely time. So you don’t find yourself in this position, I have put together a quick post sharing what we should have done to ensure our roof was well maintained and watertight.
Roof maintenance is important because it protects your home from the elements. If it sustains any damage, like ours did, it could lead to more extensive issues around the house and increased repairs. Damaged roofs can lead to dampness, increased energy bills, and excessive noise. They can also allow wildlife to enter your home, leaving you with an unwanted pest problem.
Regular maintenance not only preserves your roof’s lifespan, but also saves you money in the long run. With the average roof replacement costing around £7,000, it’s financially wise to prolong the life of your roof for as long as possible through regular roof maintenance.
Let’s take a look at some ways you can take care of your roof to help ensure it remains in good condition for as long as possible.
Do Regular Roof Maintenance Inspections
Ideally, you should inspect your roof frequently, at least twice a year, but especially after extreme weather. This was a recent mistake we made, not checking after a big storm. A few days later, after heavy rainfall, we noticed the leak. If we’d have checked stratight after the storm we would have noticed and fixed it before the rainfall.
Roof inspections can be difficult to do, particularly if you have a multi-story house, because it will be difficult to make a proper assessment from the ground. You might be able to get a better view of your roof from a neighbouring property so try that first. If not, a good tip is to fly a drone over the property and check out the footage to see if there are any issues.
If it is not safe for you to access the roof yourself, consider calling in the professionals who can inspect the roof safely at least once a year or during the winter season to check for damage and carry out required tasks such as shingle roof maintenance. Their professional insights can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your roof’s condition and the necessary maintenance tasks.
If external inspections prove too difficult, at the very least you should access your loft to see if you can inspect internally to see if any light is coming through or damage has occurred that might require repairs.
Check Your Ceilings
Another indicator that something is amiss with your roof is the presence of moisture on ceilings. We all know moisture isn’t supposed to be on the ceiling so any signs need exploring immediately. This is how we first discovered that our roof was starting to have issue. One night during some bad weather, water started dripping through the ceiling in one of the bedrooms. my husband went up into the loft and found that a roof tile had been dislodged and was allowing rain to pour in through the hole. The roof felt and loft insulation was sodden and had started to seep down through the ceiling.
If you see moisture on ceilings or even running down walls and there isn’t a bathroom above you, this is a telltale sign you need to get your roof fixed or at least, checked out. The presence of moisture on ceilings can indicate water is coming in through the roof, and you need to get it inspected as soon as possible before the water damages more of your home.
The location of the water and rooms affected will give you an indication of which part of the roof is damaged. You can check out what is going on yourself, or you can again get expert roofing companies to assess the damage and carry out repairs for you.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutter cleaning is not just a part of roof maintenance, it’s a crucial task to ensure proper functioning. Gutters are designed to direct water away from your property, preventing water damage. If they’re blocked or damaged, they can’t do their job effectively, leading to potential roof issues.
As part of your maintenance checks and upkeep schedule, you need to regularly check and clean out your gutters. They can experience damage from the environment, local wildlife, and even damaged parts of the roof. The presence of roofing materials in your gutters can alert you to the fact that your roof has sustained damage and needs repairing, even if you have not noticed any signs.
Maintain Nearby Trees and Plants
The landscape around your home can be a risk factor in terms of damaging your roof, especially if you have large trees close to your property and branches overhanging the roof.
Even plants and shrubbery over lower-level roofing can be a cause for concern especially if you’re not maintaining them. Broken branches, wildlife activity, and debris from trees can cause issues with your roof, and ideally, you want to make sure that tree branches are at least 10 feet away from the property to protect your roof and your home.
Also, overhanging branches will impact shade and moisture on the roof, and can cause moss growth or rot. Take the time to inspect the health of your landscaping and ensure that nothing is risking the roof, and if it is, take immediate steps to address it.
Remove Growth From Your Roof
If your roof has damp or shaded areas, it might be at risk of moss, lichen, and algae growth. You need to ensure your roof is free from harmful algae, moss, and lichen as they can trap moisture and moisture, which, as mentioned, can cause massive damage to your roof and home. If you notice the presence of this buildup, you need an expert roof cleaner to come and assist you in clearing it away using their specialist roof cleaning equipment.
Don’t attempt to power wash the roof yourself, as power washers can cause damage to roofs, and you need special products and techniques to avoid causing more damage. You can, of course, attempt to remove it yourself by other means, but it can be tricky, and you need to practice the best roof safety techniques to ensure you don’t come to any harm yourself. It’s always safer to call in the professionals.
Address Roof Repairs Quickly
When it comes to roof maintenance, don’t procrastinate on repairs like we have. Address issues as soon as they arise to prevent them from escalating. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage, increasing the cost and effort required to fix your roof.
Even small issues like a pinhole in your roof material or missing shingles can exacerbate, and before you know it, you have a larger issue on your hands. Roofing repairs aren’t always cheap due to the labour required to complete them and skills you need for effective roof repairs, but the result of not promptly addressing issues will be much more. If you wanted to be super sensible it might be worth creating a special savings fund to help you cover the cost of the roof repairs, so if you do encounter any issues, you have a lump sum to fall back on or use towards a completely new roof if required. I wish I was that sensible or that I had that money to set aside in the first place.
Apply Sealants and Coatings
If you have a flat roof, it is vital that you provide added protection through the application of sealants or coatings. Sealants or coatings can protect your roof from UV damage, water intrusion, and weathering, and can help extend your roof’s lifespan. It is always advisable to call in the professionals for this job.
While on the subject, always check caulking around your roof flashing and replace any damaged or old caulking to help prevent water from seeping into vulnerable areas such as your chimney around vents and roof valleys.
Prioritise Ventilation
Good attic ventilation is essential all year round. Good ventilation helps heat escape in the summer and prevents ice dams in the winter. This can be in the form of cable vents, ridge vents, or soffit vents. If your roof does not have good ventilation, it can cause many issues, including heat damage and mould growth, which are detrimental to a healthy roof.
If you don’t already have vents, it might be an idea to install them, especially if your attic feels hot and stuffy, but if this is the case and you do have roof vents, you need to check them for obstruction and damage to ensure they’re working as required.
Your roof is an integral part of your home structure, and proper care and maintenance can help you preserve and even extend its lifespan. Take the time to carry out regular inspections, get repairs done as quickly as possible, and ensure that you are aware of the damage your roof can sustain, the warning signs of a damaged roof, and your neglect of its care and upkeep to allow it to provide maximum protection all year round.