Simple tips for maintaining your roof

Installing a new roof is expensive. When we invest in a roof, we have that expectation that the roof will last for a long period of time. On average a good quality roof should last anywhere between 30 to 50 years depending on the material used. However, this also depends on how the roof is maintained over time. The cost of replacing or repairing a roof is an expense that most of us would not want to undertake. From experience, we advise that a few hours taken out for scheduled maintenance of your roof can go a long way in preserving your roof as problems are identified at a very early stage before they spiral out of control. Here, we are detailing some tips on how to take care of your roof.

Regular Inspections
This is a DIY strategy and means the regular visual inspection of your roof. This means taking up good positions around your building to see that nothing odd has happened to your roof. From our experience, a monthly inspection will suffice. It is also vital to inspect when we moved from season to season e.g. from summer to autumn. With these inspections we can identify any problems that need a quick resolution e.g. cracks to the roofing tiles, roofing membrane looking loose or cracks to guttering. If you observe any material damage to the roof, then schedule an inspection with a qualified local roofer. The advantage of regular inspections is that you can do them yourself and it an opportunity to identify problems early and deal with them accordingly before they lead to more damage to the roof.

Shingles
We advise that you keep a close eye on your shingles and identify where there are missing or damaged shingles. Simply cleaning shingles and keeping them free from dirt will reduce the risk of algae, moss and fungal growth that can affect the roofs durability. If you observe worn, broken or missing shingles then engage a professional roofing contractor to fix them. It is important to check shingle damages as this is part of the normal wear and tear of your roof. Replacing shingles is not expensive but helps preserve your roof for much longer.

Trimming trees hanging next to your roof
Trees and overhanging branches next to your roof should be regularly trimmed so that they do not affect your roof. If a tree branch is growing into your roof then it would lead to long term damage to your roof structure. Overhanging tree branches means there would be leaves on your roof which gather moisture and start to rot your roof tiles making them much weaker.  If this is left unresolved then it could lead to even bigger and costlier roof problems. Always trim the trees or tree branches around your roof or hire an experienced tree surgeon to do the same. The cost of hiring a tree surgeon is worth every penny if it keeps your roof lasting much longer.

Regularly cleaning the roof and guttering
Your roof should always be free of debris at all times. Specifically after strong winds or a storm it is important to clean your roof and keep it clear from leaves, tree stubs etc. If there are aspects of cleaning the roof you can do yourself then please do otherwise hire a handyman to do the job for you. In addition, it is important that gutters are maintained and kept clear at all times. Gutters that are clogged up can cause a lot of damage to your roof. Clogged up gutters means that water accumulating on the gutters can simply make their way underneath your roofing structure. The intended purpose of the gutter is to protect the roof by channelling water away from the roof so it is important to keep them clean and good repair at all times.

Chimney Maintenance
During roof inspections, if you notice cracked or missing mortar on or in your chimney then this has to be replaced as soon as possible. The mortar holds the bricks in place and if any brick falls out it could damage the roof. It is critical that chimney problems are quickly looked at and resolved.

​While DIY inspections are noble, it is also very important to get your qualified local roofer to inspect your roof at least once a year. This could save you a lot of headache and money in the long run.