Your roof is your home’s first line of protection against the elements. While key roofing tasks are best left to professionals by way of annual maintenance appointments, there are a few things that you can do as a homeowner that can preserve your roof’s integrity. Lakes Country Roofing takes a look at these tasks.
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Regular inspections. Regular visual inspections complement professional roofing maintenance, and it’s something that you can do without specialist equipment. All you need to do is perform a visual inspection of the roof from the ground, using a pair of binoculars, taking note of missing components and other signs of damage. You also need to go into the attic and keep an eye out for signs of moisture damage such as water stains, “sweating” walls and clumping insulation. Make it a point to contact your roofer for repairs if you find issues — the sooner the roof is repaired, the lower the subsequent costs will be.
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Keep your gutters clean. Clean gutters are more efficient at keeping rainwater away from the house foundations and the roof’s edges. This is why it’s important to keep your gutters clear of dirt and debris. In addition to regular inspections and cleaning, consider investing in gutter guards or other types of gutter protection systems. Clean gutters are also at a lower risk of corrosion and other issues caused by standing water.
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Don’t put off repairs. If you notice signs of a leak, try to have repairs done as soon as possible. Even the smallest punctures on the roof can become bigger holes with continued exposure to the elements. And, as mentioned above, repair costs are generally lower the sooner repairs are done.
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Keep your trees trimmed. Trees on the property provide shade and protection against wind damage. However, they can also cause damage to your roof. Branches that touch the rooftop can scratch the outer surface, exposing the underlying layers to UV damage. Maintaining a clearance of about 10 feet between the rooftop and the outermost branches will help protect your roof safe from damage.
If your roof needs repairs, give our roofing professionals at Lakes Country Roofing a call at (218) 770-5419. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
