A home’s roof is among its most important components. If it fails, it could allow water or other debris to come into the house. The good news is that there are steps that new homeowners can take to either prevent major roof repair work or make it easier to manage the cost of any work that needs to be done.
Keep the Gutters Clean
An easy and effective way to keep your roof in good condition is to make sure that the gutters are free from leaves, snow or anything else that can clog them. By keeping the gutters clear, it prevents water from backing up into the roof, which can lead to shingle or deck damage. Water that is unable to drain is the culprit behind icicles and ice dams that can damage both the gutters and the roof at the same time.
Look for Moss or Algae Growth and Clean it Off Quickly
If you see that moss or algae is growing on your roof, make it a point to clean it off as soon as possible. This is a sign that the roof doesn’t get enough heat or light, and it could result in the moss or algae spreading throughout the roof or along the siding. Furthermore, cleaning the shingles can prevent mold or other spores from spreading and causing damage to shingles or roof decking.
Be Sure to Replace Missing or Loose Shingles
When a shingle is loose or comes off the home completely, it is a sign that there is a problem with the roof. It is likely that a shingle has come to the end of its useful life or that there is a problem with the decking beneath it that caused the shingle to become brittle or loose. If a shingle is not replaced, it exposes the roof deck and other components to the sun, wind and other elements. It could also leave the wood vulnerable to being eaten by pests.
Check Caulking Around the Chimney and Other Joints
If your roof has a chimney on it, it will likely be caulked around the edges. In the event that the caulk is brittle or flakes away, be sure to wipe it away and replace it with new caulk. Failure to do so could allow water, pests or other debris to get into the home and cause significant damage.
Don’t Worry About Replacing the Entire Roof at Once
Unless the entire roof is leaking or otherwise ready to come down, it isn’t necessary to replace it all at once. Instead, you can simply replace any portion that is leaking or otherwise looks vulnerable. Assuming that you can climb a ladder and feel comfortable using a nail gun, it can be easy and affordable to replace roof decking or shingles in a matter of hours. However, don’t hesitate to call a professional if you need assistance.
Check to See If You Have Warranties to Take Advantage Of
Another great way to keep your roof in good shape is to have the company that last worked on it fix any issues that arise. If there is any type of warranty on the shingles, tiles or metal components that make up your roof, the repairs could be done for free. Some companies will even provide service packages that allow new homeowners to get piece of mind without having to deal with another large expense.
It is important that you do whatever it takes to keep your roof in good shape for as long as possible. The longer that you can go without replacing or repairing it, the less money that needs to be spent so soon after purchasing the house. In some cases, it may be possible to have the previous owners of the home pay for repairs or otherwise help out with any work that needs to be done right away.
