Keeping Your Roof Waterproof

Your roof is your biggest protection against the elements and if you live where snow and rain are a regular occurrence then keeping your roof waterproof is a must.  Leaving a leaky roof leads to water damage throughout your house and cost thousands to repair if not dealt with right away.  Here are some tips on keeping your roof in good shape for years.

Clean it Off Regularly

With rain you often get wind at the same time and that can leave lots of leaves and dead branches on your roof that need to be cleaned off.  In the springtime or a couple of times a year go up and clean off any debris that may be on your roof.

Prune Your Trees

Summer storms can blow dead branches on to your roof causing damage and leaks.  In the wintertime the threat is even greater with the weight of heavy snow and ice.  If you have trees close to your home then it is in your best interest to prune the trees regularly, this will keep them healthy and keep branches from landing on your roof.

Regular Maintenance and Repairs

One of the most common reasons that homeowners experience water damage is because the shingles are old and starting to curl up.  You can get moisture seeping in under the shingles and that can lead to mold in your attic.  It is far cheaper to repair curled shingles than it is to replace your roof and eradicate mold from your home.  While you can take on the project yourself you are far better off bringing in a roofing contractor to inspect and repair any issues.  They can see problems that you may not and prevent extensive damage before it starts.

Insulate Your Attic

Fluctuations in temperature can damage your roof, keep your attic insulated not only saves you a small fortune on your heating bills it can keep the temperatures steady.

Add a Water Resistant Layer

Your roofing contractor should add a water resistant layer when working on your roof.  You should also never deal with a “handyman” or someone that isn’t a specialist.  If you don’t get the repairs done right it can end up costing you thousands of dollars in the long run. If the work is not done right then you can have water damage throughout your house. Your home is a big investment you dont want to take for granted.

Your roof is crucial to the structural integrity of your home and keeping it in good shape is in your best interest.  Roof replacements are expensive, but if you follow these tips your roof can last for years.