Your roof plays an important role in safeguarding your home from the elements. If its integrity is compromised, it may fall prey to everything from shingle loss to water damage. These issues aren’t limited to roofing, though — once the surface weakens enough, it can lead to leaks and other types of damage inside the home. Fortunately, there are steps that homeowners can take to protect their residential roofing and reduce the chances of problems. Here’s what you should know.

How to Protect Your Roof

1. Trim Hanging Branches

Low-hanging branches can pose a serious threat to your home, especially if they graze the roof’s surface. Not only could they puncture the material if it’s already weak, but they also provide small animals easy access to the roof. It’s not unusual for squirrels and other critters to gnaw on shingles and cause damage to the surface. Trimming the branches back is an effective way to prevent this problem while safeguarding your roof from structural damage.

2. Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters are a key cause of residential roofing failure. The problem can develop if the gutters haven’t been cleaned in a while. Leaves, twigs, and other outdoor debris fill gutters, and prevent rainwater from escaping through the downspouts and moving away from your home. Since the rain has nowhere else to go, it remains on the roof and slides down the siding. This can lead to significant water damage, especially if moisture seeps below shingles or becomes absorbed by the soil surrounding the foundation. Have a roofing contractor clean the gutters at least twice a year to ensure that they do their job properly.

3. Clear the Surface

It’s not unusual for stains to develop on residential roofing. They’re usually caused by contaminants like moss, algae, and fungus. These growths can cause serious structural issues like rotting and shingle loss if they aren’t promptly cleared. Since this type of debris thrives in moist environments, it’s imperative to have a roofing contractor remove it so that you can handle any existing problems before they grow worse. While moss and lichen may appear harmless, allowing them to fester can necessitate a complete roof replacement if they eat away at the shingles for too long.

Homeowners throughout Elyria, OH, trust in the experts at Farley’s Roofing for all of their residential roofing needs. For more than 20 years, the family-owned company has offered everything from spot repairs to complete roof installations and gutter maintenance. They use state-of-the-art materials and equipment on all jobs and take pride in offering excellent service and reasonable prices. Visit them online to find out more about how they can help you, or give them a call at (440) 322-1142 to schedule an appointment.