There are many things you can do to protect your home from roof damage. One of the most important is to keep your roof in good condition by having regular inspections and repairs as needed. You can also take steps to prevent damage from happening in the first place. Here are some tips on how to protect your roof and home from harm.
1. Get Regular Roof Inspections
One of the best things you can do to protect your roof is to get it inspected regularly. Schedule inspections every two years, or anytime there are signs of damage. This allows repairs to be completed before extensive damage has a chance to occur.
2. Clear Branches & Debris From Your Roof
Don’t let branches or other debris settle on your roof. Fix all broken gutters, which will help prevent heavy objects from collecting on your roof and causing damage when they fall down during high winds, storms, etc. Also make sure that no animals have made their homes in your gutter or attic space – these creatures can tear up shingles and cause leaks while trying to get out of the rain!
3. Trim Tree Limbs Away From Your Roof
Make sure that tree limbs 100 feet from your home can’t reach you roof, as this allows for a protective barrier between your roof and the elements. Do not allow branches to hang over the edges of your roof either – make sure they fall on either side of your house! It’s also important to keep trees pruned away from chimneys and vents if possible, as this will help prevent fires or carbon monoxide problems.
4. Keep The Edges Of Your Roof Clear
Any holes along the edge of your roof need to be patched as soon as possible. Also watch out for rust spots on metal roofs – these need immediate attention as well since they can cause leaks within the first 24 hours.
5. Clean Your Roof
Make sure that your roof is always clean, as this will allow sunlight to reach the surface and keep it dry. You can accomplish this by having a professional power wash your roof twice per year, or using a broom on the surfaces of your home every few weeks. This will also help prevent moss growth on shingles during wetter months!
6. Use A De-Icer On Your Roof & Gutter In The Winter
Have sidewalk de-icers installed along the edges of your roof if you live in an area where heavy ice builds up over wintertime – these icicles are incredibly heavy and can cause damage to anything they fall on top of! They’re also a serious safety hazard.
7. Use Ice & Water Shield On The Edges Of Your Roof
If you live in an area where ice builds up on your roof, have a professional install ice and water shield along the edges of your home. This will help prevent damage from expansion from snow melt or rain during warmer months.
8. Hire A Professional If You’re Not Sure What To Do!
If you’re not sure what to do about a problem – ask a professional! They can look at things that may be damaged, then recommend solutions to maintain optimum roof condition for as long as possible. Having regular inspections is also helpful because it allows professionals to take care of small problems before they become big ones (and expensive ones!)
9. Regularly Check Gutters & Downspouts
Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are always clear, to prevent water from pooling around the edges of your roof or in low-lying areas when it rains. You can have a professional power wash your gutters to keep them free from debris as well, which will make cleaning them out easier to do!
10. Repair Cracks In Your Roof ASAP
Cracks in a metal roof should be repaired immediately because they can cause rust spots over time – this creates weak points in the metal and compromises its integrity. Make sure that if you have shingles with cracks or creases in them, they’re replaced before any leaks occur. This is especially important for asphalt shingles on homes in cold climates.