It’s never a good sign when you are on the upper level of your house, and you notice watermarks on the ceiling. Or, you notice a persistent musty smell that no amount of cleaning will get rid of.
Both can point to a serious issue with the roof, and, while it is likely to need repair or replacement, it may also mean that you need to do some maintenance that will keep those stains and mold at bay.
So, what does routine roof care entail?
Keep Gutters Clean
When your home’s gutters are clogged, this is a common reason for the roof and the upper floor of your home to become damaged. When water overflows from the blocked or clogged gutter, it can seep into the eaves of the roof, which can then cause rotting and mold on the upper floor, as well as water marks. Try to clean your gutters twice a year, and, if you are not physically able to do so, you can call a roofing company that can oversee this for you.
Remove Moss and Algae
There is no doubt that moss, algae, or lichen can look very pretty on your roof. However, once you spot it, you need to remove it quickly. These plants hold water, which can cause the area underneath them to become waterlogged. This will then cause damage to the roof. You can use a soft brush or moss removal solution, which is designed to protect roofing materials. Try to avoid harsh scrubbing or power washing, as this can cause damage to your tiles.
Look For Damaged Tiles
Your roof tiles are designed to protect the underlying structure from becoming damaged by water or extreme weather conditions. So, if any of the slate tiles are broken or missing, you need to replace them promptly to prevent leaks on the upper floor of your home. For this, you will likely need to hire a professional roofer to ensure it is done properly and safely.
Trim Tree Branches
Do you have a tree near your home? The overhanging branches will not only be responsible for potentially dropping debris onto the roof, but can also cause extreme damage to the tiles during very high winds. Be sure to engage in regular tree pruning around your home and make sure that there is plenty of space between the tree and the roof. This will also minimise the chances of branches breaking off and coming through your roof, which is a bit more of a problem than a few lost tiles!
Look into Roof Coating
Depending on what your roof is made from, there is the option to apply a protective coating which can improve the UV resistance, seal minor imperfections and gaps, as well as enhance the lifespan. Again, this is something you should oversee with the help of a roofing professional to determine if your roof would benefit from a coating and to also assess the condition of your roof. Many homeowners forget that the average life span of a roof is around 25-50 years. So, if you have recently bought your home and it hasn’t had a new roof for a few years, coating may be ineffective versus a complete replacement.