Well folks, we made it! 2022 is here and with it comes a new roofing checklist. As long as you are staying up to date with all of your roofing needs, you should have a roof that lasts well into its lifetime with minimal issues.
Of course, the opposite is also true: ignore or neglect your roof and you could end up in a financial headache. The roof is one of the most important parts of your home or building, so follow along with these few checklist items and you’ll stay protected.
- Schedule Your Inspections
Not exactly shocking, but having a professional look at your roof twice a year is going to be your best bet to making sure your roof is issue-free. A professional roofer is going to know what to look for, what issues need to be solved right away, and what the estimate for those costs will be. They’re also the experts when it comes to roof, so if they don’t see anything during your inspection, you’ll have the peace of mind that your roof is ready to protect you and your family.
- Clean Gutters
We’ve said that the roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Well, the gutters are one of the most important parts of the roof! The gutters move rain, snow, and any other types of precipitation off your roof and away from your foundation. This makes sure you don’t have water damage from piling storm water. But if the gutters are clogged, the water won’t have anywhere to go and will pool up on your roof, which can lead to internal damage to your home.
- Limit Moss & Algae Growth
You obviously don’t want anything growing on your roof. Moss or algae can get under your shingles and even into your home if you don’t fix the problem right away. There are a number of factors that can lead to the growth of algae and moss, like lots of shade or a wet climate. If you’re in an area that is conducive to moss and algae growth, you are going to want to have regular inspections to make sure your roof isn’t home to these invasive species.
- Remove Nearby Tree Branches
Tree branches that hang over your roof have the chance to cause damage to your roof if they fall in the next big storm. These possible issues can be solved if the branches that hang directly over your roof are trimmed. We also mentioned that a very shaded area can lead to moss and algae growth, so best eliminate that problem right away by trimming any overhanging branches.
- Clear Off Debris
The more debris that is on your roof, the heavier it is going to be. And that debris can absorb water when it rains, leading your roof to be even heavier and increasing your chances at water damage. And if the debris doesn’t stick to your roof, it can run off into your gutter, causing the build-up that we mentioned in step 2. You want to make sure you are regularly cleaning the debris off of your roof to make sure there are no unnecessary issues.
These are just a few of the checklist items you should be regularly performing to make sure your roof has no issues. An inspection in the spring and fall from a professional roofer will always be our #1 recommendation, because they will know exactly what to look for and can perform any necessary repairs or maintenance to make sure your roof is ready to protect. But if you are making sure the above are taken care of, you are going to be in much better shape!
