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If you don’t have thousands of dollars at your disposal, it’s best to keep roof maintenance top-of-mind as a homeowner.
Ironically, the roof is one of the most neglected areas of any home, because well, out of sight, out of mind, right?
On average, it costs in excess of $8,000 to replace a roof on a home today. But when you take into account different materials, transportation, and the extent of replacement, it could cost even more than this.
That’s why it’s imperative to keep an eye on your roof if you’re a property owner, especially with regards to weather damage and preventative maintenance. Check out the rest of this blog for more top tips.
1. Inspect Your Roof for Weather Damage
Whether you live in a dry and arid climate, a wet and windy region, or somewhere with a mix of both, weather damage plays a huge role in the wear and tear of your roof.
It takes an absolute beating on a good weather day, so throw in howling winds, hail, snow, or pelting rain, and your roof is in need of extra TLC.
Make sure to inspect your roof after you’ve experienced any form of severe weather in your area. As a general rule-of-thumb, you should inspect for weather damage twice a year anyway.
Keep an eye out for loose shingles, cracked or bubbling areas in your siding, broken gutters, and downspouts.
If you’re in need of professional repair, don’t put it off — get in touch with the Braun Group for more.
2. Keep Your Trees Well-Trimmed
Tall, overhanging trees pose a major risk to your roof. You want to make sure that any large trees in your yard or your neighbour’s yard are trimmed back, with branches kept at a minimum of 5-feet from your roof.
Overhanging branches could break off in high winds and cause serious damage. While excessive amounts of leaves and debris could clog up your gutters and cause water damage.
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3. Inspect and Update Your Insulation
Roofing insulation is crucial, especially for homes in a cold, snowy climate. Basically, insulation helps to protect against ice dam formation on and in your roof.
Ice dams tend to form when excess amounts of heat escape from your roof. When this condensation refreezes, it can also cause water to seep back into your roof and throughout your home.
This is easily preventable with regularly inspected and updated insulation.
4. Make Sure Your Roof is Well Ventilated
Roof ventilation is just as important as roof insulation. Essentially, your roof is the first and last point-of-contact for all the moisture that penetrates and needs to escape your home.
Without adequate ventilation, much of this moisture would be trapped inside your roof. This could lead to condensation buildup, wood rot, roof leaks, and a host of other issues.
5. Always Repair Cracked or Loose Shingles
Just because one of your roof shingles is loose or cracked, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t repair it. Think of it as a domino effect. As soon as one goes, the rest will start to follow.
A loose or cracked roof shingle creates a vulnerable spot on your roof. Water can penetrate it and wind can tear at your other shingles. It’s best to nip-it-in-the-bud and repair this issue sooner rather than later.
Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape
Weather damage is the greatest threat to your roof. In order to keep your roof and your home in the best possible shape, it’s wise to remember this: prevention is always better than cure! Keep your roof well-maintained and it will stay over your head that much longer.
If you’re passionate about keeping your home in great condition and love to DIY your home renovation tasks, check out the rest of this blog for more.
