Properly caring for your roof requires less effort than you may believe. Homeowners often feel intimidated by the task and neglect essential roof maintenance, leading to costly problems and even more frightening concerns. To better understand and tackle this, familiarize yourself with the different roofing components and their maintenance needs.” Fortunately, you can avoid all of that and more by following A-1 Home Improvement’s ten vital home roofing tips!

No matter what type of roofing design you have, you will benefit from many of these helpful tips and potentially prolong its lifespan. A roof is a significant investment, so why not do everything you can to keep it in excellent condition?

1. Keep Your Gutters Clean and in Good Condition

The condition of your gutters directly impacts the condition of your roof. Gutters can clog with debris, twigs, dirt, and leaves, preventing the ideal flow of water away from your property. Dirty and blocked gutters may result in roofing damage from water, rotting, and structural insecurity.

2. Remove Leaves, Dirt, and Debri

Your roof should be relatively clear from leaves, dirt, sticks, and debris so you can see its beautiful appearance and enjoy optimal function. Keeping it clean means algae and moss can’t call your roof home.
You don’t want dirt, branches, and algae hiding your roof, so contacting a professional to safely and carefully clean it is your best course of action. When you work with A-1 Home Improvement, we may use a broom or special blower to clear away any unwanted materials.

3. Trim Nearby Trees Limbs and Plants

Trees with long limbs can disturb your roof by banging into it during heavy winds or rainstorms. When plant coverings surround your roof, you are more likely to have moss and algae accumulate. When trees and branches are too close to your roof, you risk severe and expensive damage.

4. Professionally Treat Moss and Algae

Moss and algae can cause your roof to be an eyesore and lead to moisture problems. Mold or other fungi can harm the structural integrity of your roof, so one of our home roofing tips is to spray an appropriate cleaning solution. Schedule a professional cleaning for our team’s assistance.

5. Inspect Your Shingles and Roof Often

Consider the last time you took a look at your roof and shingles. If you can’t recall your last personal inspection, it has likely been too long. One of the most essential home roof tips is to inspect your roof and asphalt shingles and schedule an annual professional roofing inspection.

A variety of weather conditions can damage  roofing materials  throughout the year. You must address broken, missing, cracked, bent, or damaged shingles as soon as possible, so schedule a roof repair appointment immediately if you see such major roofing problems occurring.

6. Ensure Adequate Ventilation

Having excellent ventilation is one of our top home roofing tips because your roof needs to keep out excess moisture and heat. Have a professional contractor examine your attic and install top-notch insulation to ensure your roof and interior are safe. Insulation also can prevent ice dams.

7. Prevent Ice Dam

Leaving snow on your roof may lead to leaks and water damage, so preventing roof leaks becomes crucial in snowy conditions. Ice dams can pull up or damage your shingles and gutters. You can rake the snow off your roof, use heating solutions to prevent ice formation, or invest in good attic insulation. Water should flow off of and away from your roof.

8. Look at Your Chimney

Perhaps the only time you think about your chimney is during the Christmas season. However, your chimney acts as partial support for your roof, so missing bricks, cracks, or damage can put your roof’s safety at risk. If any of these scenarios apply to you, contact a chimney repair specialist.

9. Schedule Post-Storm Inspection

You should not put off a roof and attic inspection after a severe storm. Extreme weather conditions can increase the need for roof repairs. Call a roofing contractor from A-1 Home Improvement to assess the damage and quickly treat the problems, as neglecting to do so can lead to even greater concerns like water damage, lack of structural support, and missing areas.

10. Consider Roof Coatings and Sealant

Roof sealants and coatings are not suitable for all roofing types, so check any labels or with a professional roofer before applying them. Coatings and sealants are extra protective measures against mother nature and can help you avoid a premature roof replacement.
Contact A-1 Home Improvement for Home Roof Maintenance Services

Home roof maintenance protects your property from the elements, water damage, and structural concerns, and is a key factor in increasing property value. Consider our top ten home roofing tips and make roof maintenance a priority. If you want to ensure the best results, contact us for a roofing inspection or maintenance appointment.

A-1 Home Improvement proudly serves the New Haven, Hartford, Middlesex, and New London counties. Call us today at (860) 259-6783 or fill out our online form to see how we can meet your roofing needs!