As a homeowner, performing routine maintenance on various aspects of your house is important in maintaining your investment and preventing wear and tear. You probably perform tasks like replacing your HVAC filters, mowing the lawn, and regularly testing your smoke detector batteries. But when was the last time you scheduled professional maintenance for one of the most important structures of your home: the roof?
Scheduling annual roof maintenance is key to keeping this crucial structure in the best condition, prolonging its lifespan, and protecting your investment. Learn the roof maintenance tasks you should be performing annually below, then reach out to the professional roofers at Sundown Exteriors to book your maintenance appointment.
Clean Your Gutters
You may not have considered cleaning the gutters as a task that impacts your roof. But your gutters are vital to adequately draining water off your roof and away from your house. When they become clogged with debris, your gutters won’t drain properly, causing water to sit on the roof and, eventually, seep into your home.
You should be cleaning your gutters at least once per year. But most gutters require bi-annual or even seasonal cleanings. You can tell when your gutters need to be cleaned because you’ll see water dripping out of the gutters during storms rather than draining to the downspout.
While some homeowners clean their gutters themselves, you’ll always achieve better results when you hire a professional. An experienced roofer can leave your gutters spotless and identify damaged areas needing repair. If you need new gutters, Sundown Exteriors can help!
Clear Debris, Moss, and Algae From the Roof
Whether your roof is flat or has a steep slope, it will accumulate debris over time. At least once a year, you should clear any debris from your roof, including:
- Tree branches
- Leaves
- Moss
- Algae
- Plant life
Letting this debris pile up too long can cause several issues. Algae, moss, and other plant life can slowly wear down the roofing material, making it less resilient to storms and impact. Debris can also impede water from draining off the roof.
If your home is one story, you may be able to stand on a ladder and use a broom to sweep off debris, then spray the roof with a hose on a gentle setting. But if your home is two or more stories, you may want to enlist a professional roofing company to perform this task instead.
Keep an Eye Out For Signs of Damage
Throughout the year, you should routinely examine your roof from the ground to look for signs of damage or deterioration. No roof lasts forever; whether yours is 10 years old or 50, it could show signs of wear and tear.
Keep an eye out for any of these signs that could indicate your roof isn’t performing as well as it should:
- Sagging or drooping areas of the roof
- Broken gutters
- Missing shingles
- Shingle granules on the ground around your home
- Curled or cracked shingles
You should also look out for signs of water damage inside your home. If you ever notice any dark spots or peeling paint on your ceiling, you may have a roof leak, allowing water to seep through your attic and into the ceiling.
Book a Professional Roof Inspection and Maintenance Appointment
As a homeowner, you can only do so much to protect your roof. You aren’t a roofing expert, and you may not know how to identify less noticeable signs of damage.
As a result, scheduling a professional roof maintenance and inspection appointment at least once per year is crucial to keeping your roof in the best shape. An experienced roofing contractor in Illinois can evaluate your roof closely, perform necessary maintenance and repairs, and let you know when it may be time to replace your roof.
Don’t neglect regular maintenance; rely on the professionals at Sundown Exteriors to keep your roof in the best possible condition. Schedule a free inspection and repair estimate in central Illinois today by calling 309-275-6801.