You might not always think about your roof, but it consistently protects you from harsh weather, pests, and other outdoor elements. Performing regular maintenance on the structure will prevent early wear and tear and the need to call a roofing contractor before the end of its life span. To help you care for your covering, here are a few maintenance tips to follow. 

How to Care for Your Roof

1. Perform Regular Inspections

The best way to prevent minor roof repairs from growing into much larger and costlier problems is to keep an eye on your covering. At least twice a year and following any intense storms, perform a visual inspection from the ground. Look for any lifted or missing shingles, and check if any have lost a large portion of granules. You’ll also want to determine if any fasteners are missing or exposed or the gutters are broken or sagging.  

2. Clean Gutters & Remove Roof Debris

Toward the end of the spring and fall, remove any debris and leaves that have become lodged in your gutters. This will ensure water is directed away from your home and does not back up under the shingles along the edge of the roof. This is especially important before the winter because the blockage can cause ice dams to form. Similarly, keep trees near your home trimmed to reduce debris accumulation in the gutters and on the roof, which could lead to moss, lichen, or algae growth. 

3. Have a Professional Inspect Your Attic Insulation

After moving into a new home, call a roofing contractor to determine the level of insulation in your attic. Poor insulation can allow heat to escape during the winter. After a snowfall, this problem could cause the layer of snow closest to your roof to melt and run toward the edge of the structure—which is colder—and refreeze, leading to ice dams. According to roofing contractors, ice dams are a common cause of shingle damage, leaks, and sagging edges. 

The best way to care for your roof is to schedule annual maintenance with a professional roofing contractor. At Mike’s Roofing, they have performed more than 6,000 roof installations for commercial and residential properties throughout Licking County, OH, and the surrounding areas. Their contractors provide safe and reliable roofing services and specialize in insurance work and storm damage. For a free estimate, call them today at (740) 763-2867, and visit their website to learn more about their qualifications.