How To Maintain Your New Roof
7 Tips To Maintain Your New Houston, TX Roof
Safeguard Your Home From the Elements
Your Houston roof is one of the first lines of defense your home has against the elements – and routine maintenance is the best way to keep it functioning for years to come. A robust and sturdy roof can keep you and your family safe and dry.
With home ownership comes a lot of responsibility, including maintaining your roof.
A well-maintained roof can easily last 20 years, but only if you take the time to care for it properly. By learning how to spot damage early on, you can prevent costly repairs down the road.
Our tips below will teach you everything you need to know about roof maintenance to keep your new home in excellent condition for years to come.
1) Keep Your Trees Well Trimmed
Sugar Land, Katy, the Woodlands – no matter where you live in the Houston area, chances are you have trees on your property. Trees add natural beauty to your yard but can also damage your roof.
If you have trees with branches hanging over your roof, trim them back regularly. Otherwise, the branches can rub against your shingles and cause them to wear down over time. At Houston Roofing & Construction, our roofing experts recommend trimming all branches within 10 feet of your roof.
2) Remove Debris Or Piled Leaves
After a storm, especially during and after hurricane season, check for any debris that may have accumulated. Debris, like leaves, twigs, and branches, can clog your roof valleys and gutters, causing moisture to build up. This can lead to severe damage like leaks, rot, and breakage.
We don’t recommend getting on your roof in most cases, but our team at Houston Roofing & Construction can help. After storm damage is caused by wind, hail, or flying debris, we can inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs.
3) Inspect Your Roof Regularly
Some roofing companies recommended inspecting your roof at least once a year. Doing so will help you spot any damage early on so that you can make repairs before the damage gets worse.
When inspecting your roof, look for:
- Any cracked, missing, or damaged shingles.
- Any gaps or holes in your roof.
- Any signs of rust on your roofing nails or gutters.
- (Inside): Any signs of water damage, such as stains on your ceiling or peeling paint.
If you are unsure how to spot any of these (or if you do see these signs), it might be best to call in a professional.
4) Check For Moss And Algae Growth
Moss and algae can grow on any roofing material, but they’re most common on asphalt shingles. If left unchecked, moss and algae can cause your shingles to deteriorate and shorten their lifespan.
There is newer technology by shingle manufacturers, which can provide you with up to a lifetime warranty of algae protection.
5) Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters play a vital role in protecting your roof from water damage. When rain falls on your roof, it flows into your gutters, channeling water into a drain pipe and away from your home.
Gutters clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris can’t do their job correctly. As a result, water can back up onto your roof and cause damage.
You can use a ladder or hire a professional to clean your gutters. Just be sure to do it regularly, especially after storms.
6) Repair Damaged Roofing Materials
If you spot any cracked, missing, or damaged shingles, it’s crucial to make repairs immediately. Ignoring the problem will only worsen the situation, and you’ll likely need to replace your entire roof sooner than expected.
In most cases, you may simply need to replace the damaged shingles on your roof. If the damage is more widespread, you may need to repair or replace your gutters, flashing, or other roofing materials.
7) Seal Cracks Or Gaps
Cracks and gaps in your roof can let water and moisture in, leading to severe damage.
It’s also important to make sure your attic remains well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup.
Rely On Professional Roof Repair And Maintenance
In Houston, TX
Even if you take all of these preventive measures, it’s still a good idea to regularly have your roof inspected, maintained, and serviced by a Houston roofing professional. Houston Roofing & Construction contractors have the experience and expertise to spot potential problems and make the necessary repairs.
We also offer fast financing for roof repairs and replacements, so you can get the work done without breaking the bank.
Contact us today to learn more!