10 Tips for Maintaining the Curb Appeal of Your Home’s Roof This Spring
Maintaining the curb appeal of your home Roof can be a challenge especially if you live in an area where the weather is constantly changing. While warmer temperatures may be coming later this spring, you can take these steps now to make sure your home’s exterior looks great all season long.
Whether you live in a colder climate where snow and ice are common or an area with heavy rainfall, it pays to give your roof special attention before the seasons change again.
Here are ten tips for maintaining the curb appeal of your home’s roof:
1) Check for loose shingles on your roof.
When rainwater seeps through a damaged section of the shingle, it can cause mold and mildew below as well as further damage to other areas of the roof. Walk all over your roof once a month looking for problem spots that need repairs from those pesky shingle snags.
2) Get rid of debris that builds upon the roof, particularly after storms or heavy winds.
Leaves and pine needles can cause shingles to buckle and makes it easier for water damage to form beneath the roof’s surface. If you live in an area with trees nearby, your best defense is to regularly clean out gutters so they don’t clog with fallen leaves, twigs or needles. You should also look at pruning back any branches that are within six feet of the roof’s edge.
3) Watch for damage to flashings around vents, chimneys, skylights, and dormers.
The flashing forms a seal between different parts of the roof but can last for years or even decades if it’s exposed to harsh weather. Inspect the flashing every few weeks for any cracks or areas where the seal is broken so you can fix them before water damage occurs beneath the roof’s surface.
4) Clean your roof at least once per year, preferably after heavy rains.
Shingles that are covered with dirt and debris don’t shed water as easily. You should also consider giving your roof a power washing once per year to remove any algae, moss, lichen, rust stains, mildew and other stubborn grime that builds up over time. Power washing your home’s exterior will help remove any loose paint or peeling stucco-based materials as well.
5) Stop leaks early by hiring a roofer to regularly inspect your home’s exterior for problems that may arise.
A skilled technician can spot things like hanging or curling shingles, missing tiles, rust stains, and other signs of wear and tear early on. So the damage is less likely to develop into bigger issues. The earlier you address any potential problems with your roof, the easier and cheaper it will be to fix them before they turn into more serious concerns like roof damage and costly water leaks inside your home.
6) Clean your gutters every few months to prevent leaf and debris buildup.
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to drip beneath the roof’s edge. Which is a major leading cause of structural problems like rotted fascia boards, compromised flashing, and foundation damage. You should also inspect your gutters for any holes or sagging that might allow rainwater to enter improperly. If you need help with your gutter maintenance needs, contact a company like Aire Serv of Minneapolis.
7) In high-wind areas, consider installing window film with a built-in wind barrier.
In many cases, the gustiest winds come from within about five miles of an area. So simply adding a strong layer of insulation on the interior can block much of the damaging airflow. You should also install wind-resistant shutters on your windows to help protect them, particularly if they’re single pane.
8) Hire a pro to maintain or repair chimneys that are attached to wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.
The flashing around these structures is often made with copper which will eventually oxidize and corrode. If you’ve noticed water stains around your chimney. Contact a contractor like J&S Home Services for rooftop sealant repairs before serious damage occurs beneath the surface.
9) Add roof vents to increase air circulation in the attic space so hot air doesn’t build up against the roof’s surface during warmer months.
You should also consider adding insulation to the attic space to form a better seal. Which will keep it cooler during the summer and warmer during colder months. This can further reduce solar heat gain on your roof’s surface by reflecting sunlight back into the atmosphere.
10) Keep gutters clean so they don’t overflow or fall off completely.
The last thing you want is for your gutters to be overburdened with water during heavy rains or storms. Because it could flood your home’s foundation with several feet of accumulated rainwater if they fail completely. A good rule of thumb is to inspect them twice per year once in early spring. Before heavy rains begin and then again after winter ends. To make sure there are no major problems that may arise later on down the road.
Conclusion:
Once you have addressed any problems with your roof, interior water leaks are far less likely to occur. Since the source of the issue has been properly taken care of.