Between the snowy winters and the hailstorms of spring, Centennial sees plenty of tumultuous Colorado weather. The constantly changing weather will inevitably inflict some form of damage to your roof. And everyone knows that roof repairs and replacements are tedious and costly endeavors. If you hope to limit the number of times your roof is repaired over the years, then you need to regularly maintain the condition of your roof. We’re no stranger to Centennial roof repair projects, so we wanted to share some advice on roof maintenance. Stick with our handy tips and you’ll keep your roof in terrific shape for years to come!
Our Expert Roof Maintenance Advice
As you go about your roof maintenance tasks, we’d like to remind you to exercise caution and to always prioritize your personal safety. We’ve been repairing and replacing roofs throughout the Centennial area and along the front range for years. Our industry veterans make it look easy, but that doesn’t mean roofing work isn’t dangerous.
Proper roof maintenance may require you to get up on your roof from time to time. It can be dangerous to be up so high, so remember to be cautious and avoid putting yourself in immediate danger. If you feel uncomfortable with heights, you can always call Centennial roofers for a free roofing inspection.
Trim Overhead Branches
Every Colorado homeowner enjoys having trees grow right next to their homes. They add a much needed natural element to any Colorado property. However, your nearby trees can pose a danger to your roof.
Overhanging branches will shed leaves in the fall, which can accumulate on your shingles and in your gutters. Those leaves retain moisture and can help slowly rot your shingles. We also can’t forget to mention the dangers that branches pose when they break off from wind or snow. A broken branch can cause significant damage when it impacts your roof. In either scenario, you’ll need to seek out professional support for Centennial roof repair.
It’s wiser to avoid both of these problems completely by trimming your branches in advance. If you notice any branches that are too close to or directly above your roof, give them a quick trim. You’ll thank yourself later for this minor landscaping adjustment.
Clean Your Shingles
In most household cleaning checklists, the roof is rarely ever mentioned. That doesn’t make the responsibility any less important though! Just like your dining area and bedrooms, your roof can benefit from an occasional cleaning.
On average, Centennial will see roughly 78 days of precipitation every year. The annual downpour of rain, snow, sleet, and hail can spur moss and algae growths to form on your shingles. While these green patches don’t really pose an immediate threat, they will eventually cause integral damage to your shingles. When too many shingles are damaged this way, you’ll need to call the pros for their Centennial roof repair services.
Keep those mossy growths at bay by cleaning your roof once or twice a year. A number of DIY roof cleaner products, like Spray & Forget, offer great solutions to the mossy growths. If you are too uncomfortable with cleaning your roof, many roofers in Centennial are happy to help out.
Check Your Attic Ventilation
It may sound silly, but your roof needs to breathe just like you. A well ventilated attic space will allow heat and moisture to escape at proper levels. That ventilation helps reduce heat build-up in the summer and keep your home warm in the winter. In addition, that ventilation can help prevent the formation of ice dams on your roof, keep your shingles in good condition, and reduce your energy bills as well.
So, how can you tell if your attic is ventilating efficiently and properly? There are a few things you can check on. We’d recommend that you:
Count your attic vents. Since every house is different, there isn’t a “magic number” of vents for proper ventilation. You should still be able to identify a few vents as you examine that attic space. In some cases, you might need to install 1 or 2 new vents.
Check for ice dams on your eaves. If you notice recurring/standing ice on the eaves of your roof, then your attic is not ventilating properly or retaining heat effectively. This might indicate the presence of problematic insulation.
A damp attic space. As you walk through your attic, do you notice any areas of dampness? Does it feel as though there is moisture hanging in the air? Can you spot any water stains or instances of frost? If so, your attic could be in need of some TLC.
In many cases, it’s wiser to call in professional contractors to improve your attic’s ventilation. They’ll be able to properly identify the root cause of the problem and recommend appropriate remedies to the issue.
Clean Your Gutters
We know: there is no home maintenance chore that is worse than cleaning out your gutters. Even if you don’t like it, that chore needs to be done a few times every year.
Your gutter systems are in place to divert the flow of water from your property and minimize water damages. It’s an important system that can accumulate plenty of debris annually. Clogged gutters will overflow during the next storm, which can have disastrous effects. All that excess water can lead to structural roof damages, pest infestations, and many other potential property issues. In addition, your gutters might become damaged as well, which means you’ll need to seek out gutter repair services as well.
You can easily avoid these water damages by simply cleaning out your gutters regularly! Keep those systems in good shape all year round and your roof will stay in great condition for some time.
Learn More From the Centennial Roof Repair Pros
While these roof maintenance tips are a great start for any homeowner, there are many other tips that we didn’t mention today. At Michaels & Marc, we are always ready to educate homeowners on the best roofing practices. We’ve spent a multitude of years in the roofing industry, so we’d be happy to share our expert advice in-person. We’ll even walk you through the maintenance steps during your FREE roofing inspection.
Contact Michaels & Marc today to learn more roof maintenance secrets from the Centennial roof repair experts.
