We know the majority of people don't pay a lot of attention to their roof when there isn't an obvious issue. It's easy to have an out of sight, out of mind attitude and leave any issues to the experts if and when they arise. But what most people don't realize is that there are some easy and fairly quick home improvement projects that can drastically improve the overall health and longevity of your roof.
Since a number of us are stuck at home during these uncertain times, we thought we'd share our top 4 home improvement projects that will benefit your roof. From trimming overhanging branches, to cleaning your gutters, it's a great time to knock out some home improvement projects you might have been putting off.
1. Trim overhanging branches
Staying on top of yard work, like trimming and maintaining your trees, will go far when it comes maintaining your roof's health. This is especially important in our monsoon season when high winds and rains can cause branches to break off and damage your roof, or worse, result in trees falling and damaging your house. Having branches hang over your roof also gives animals, like rats, easy access to your house. This relatively simple act of yard work can pay off exponentially when it comes to roof repairs and replacements.
2. Inspect your roof regularly
For those DIY-ers out there, you can do a very basic visual inspection without even climbing a ladder. One of the easiest ways you can do this is at ground level by simply looking up at your roof to assess the health of your shingles or tiles. Scan for obvious warning signs, like cracked, torn, bald, or missing shingles, as well as cracked or broken tiles. Moisture stains on the underside of eaves and overhangs can also signal roof damage.
If you notice any of these problems, you should have a licensed roofing contractor perform a free roof inspection to determine the extent of the damage. You can also put a ladder to the side of your roof for more of an up-close look, but we recommend doing this only if you're comfortable on a ladder.
3. Perform an inside inspection
If your roof is having issues, one area you'll commonly be able to tell is inside your home. You should check for any obvious signs of water leaks, including dark areas on ceilings, damp spots alongside chimneys, or water stains near attic vents. You should also inspect the water heater or furnace for early signs of roof damage near all ducting and pipes to the outside.
Your attic should also be inspected to ensure its venting properly. All bath, kitchen, and dryer vents should go directly outside of your home, not just to your attic. If the temperature and humidity in your attic are not controlled, it can cause your roof to warp. Ensuring everything is venting properly can help significantly when extending the life of your roof.
4. Clean your gutters
Check your gutters to see if they have any build up of debris in them. If your gutters are clogged, it can cause a lot of damage to your roof by accumulating water that travels underneath your roof. By keeping your gutters in good health, you'll ensure they're working properly and avoiding any potential danger to your roof at the same time.
If you're worried about the health of your roof, we offer free, no obligation roof evaluations for peace of mind. We also offer a free roofing guide that will help you identify early warning signs before they become a roofing emergency.
