Proper Maintenance to Keep a Roof Looking New

The monetary investment in a new roof can be staggering for any homeowner.  It is rarely an expense that homeowners want to repeat, so proper care and maintenance are important factors when it comes to a new roof.  Knowing what to do and how to do it safely, can be one of the biggest challenges for today's homeowners.  Use the tips below to keep your roof looking new and your home staying dry.

Flat Roofs
If your home is in a warm climate where flat roofs are the norm, there are certain steps that you can take to ensure that your roof remains effective and free of damage.  Many flat roofs cannot be seen from the street, as there is usually a raised edge or capping along the top of the home that hides it from view.  The maintenance comes in cleaning off the debris and dirt that collect on the roof during the natural course of its lifetime.  It is a good idea to schedule a time to brush off leaves and remove any sticks or branches that may have gathered on the roof each year.  If you live in an area that is particularly windy or has a large amount of storms, you may want to check the roof more often than once a year.  Always use proper ladder and safety precautions when checking your roof, or hire a roofer to inspect and clean it for you.

Angled Roofs
Most homes in the United States have angled roofs.  One of the keys to keeping these roofs looking new and retaining their ability to keep the elements out is to install gutters that will collect excess water.  Not only will this keep water from dripping down onto the ground or house below, it will also prevent it from seeping up under the shingles and rotting the wood below.  After gutters are installed, it is important to clean them out at least twice a year to remove leaves and debris that collect in them.  If the gutter is full of leaves, when it rains the water will either overflow and seep under the shingles, or the weight of the wet leaves combined with the water's weight can lead to the gutter actually falling or being ripped from the home.

It is also important to inspect the roof periodically for any damage.  If you notice any water infiltration into the home, it is best to get it taken care of right away.  Sometimes you can simply caulk a loose or raised seam yourself, but other times it is best to call in the professionals.  Staining of leaves and hard water can also be a problem to keeping your roof looking brand new.  If possible, brush off leaves a few times throughout the fall season, to prevent them from rotting and discoloring the roof. If you are uncomfortable working on the roof, or do not have the proper safety equipment to do it, always have a roofing contractor do the simple maintenance instead.

Proper maintenance not only keeps a roof looking like new, it also helps to maintain its integrity.  Simple steps throughout the year can make a roof last much longer than if it simply neglected.  Do not hesitate to call a roofing contractor when needed.  It is much less expensive to pay someone to do simple maintenance to your roof than needing to replace it before its projected life span ends.