3 Roof Maintenance Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do

Replacing a roof is a major project and one that is best left to professionals. Luckily, most modern roofing materials are designed to last for 20 years or more. That means, with the proper care, you may never have to replace a roof on your home again. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t take the time to perform routine roof maintenance that can extend its useful life. Whether your roof is brand new or already starting to show its age, these three tasks can help keep it functional and attractive.

1. Perform an Annual Inspection

An annual roof inspection can uncover everything from moss growth to work spots on shingles to loose flashing. You can’t address a problem if you don’t know it exists. Make a checklist of potential problems and then methodically work through it as you visually inspect the surface. You might even be able to perform a cursory inspection from the ground on certain homes. If you do see signs of an issue, schedule roof repair Sacramento now before it becomes worse.

2. Clean the Gutters and Downspouts

The gutters on a home channel rainwater off the roof and away from the foundation. However, gutters can quickly fill with leaves, dirt and debris over the course of a year. That can lead to water pooling around the foundation or backing up and seeping under the roofing material. If you don’t have a gutter guard system installed, you must manually clean them out. Ideally, this should be done twice a year, but once is better than not at all.

3. Remove Overhanging Tree Limbs

A large limb falling on your roof can damage roof shingles or, worse, cause structural damage. Either one can be prevented by keeping overhanging branches away from your home. Proper pruning will encourage growth patterns that do not threaten your home. Just remember to avoid working in trees that could fall onto a structure, vehicle or power lines.

Routine roof maintenance, whether performed by you or a professional, is an important part of homeownership. Performing inspections, keeping the gutters clean and removing any overhanging branches can help preserve your roof.