How To Keep Your Roof In Good Condition

How to Keep your Roof in Good Condition

It’s vitally important to maintain your roof – after all, your rooftop is an investment that keep your property safe from stormy weather and the elements all year round, year after year.

As it works so hard to keep you protected, your rooftop can be vulnerable to the weather. Investing a little of your time in ensure that your roof is safe and secure can pay dividends in the long run, as roof damage that’s left to gradually disintegrate to can lead to the expense of a whole new roof.

The first step to maintaining your roof is to keep a close eye on it. Often there’ll be signs of damage or potential problems, such as moss on the ground that’s fallen from the rooftop. Moss can be a real problem for your roof as it can lead to gaps in your roof tiles, which can allow water inside.

You can check your rooftop safely from the ground with a pair of binoculars. If you’re in any doubt, contact your local roofer who will be able to assess your roof for damage.

Look out for wear and tear such as curled shingled or missing tiles. If you have a chimney, check out the brickwork to make sure there are no gaps where rain water can leak in. Check inside and out – if the roof is letting water in, there could be damp spots on your ceiling. There could be signs of water damage in your loft, such as rotting timber or rusty metal work.

If you see any damage to your roof, don’t attempt to fix it unless you’re used to working at height and you have the proper equipment. There are some safety rules to be aware of before you attempt to repair your roof. Never work on your roof when it’s wet or you risk slipping and falling. Make sure that the roof’s clean before you attempt to work on it – leaves and even the smallest stone can cause you to lose your footing. Roof repairs is a highly dangerous job if you don’t know what you’re doing so it’s usually best to call out a professional roofer.

Keep Your Roof Free of Debris

Cleaning it regularly can help to extend the life of your roof. Keeping your roof free of leaves using a long-handle rake so you don’t have to overstretch to reach anywhere. You can also use a leaf blower or a jet spray. Be careful when using a powerful jet spray to clean your roof, as if there’s any damage in the first place, this could make it worse.

If there are lots of trees near your rooftop, trim back the branches if you can so that you can limit the amount of debris dropping from them on to your rooftop. It can also help to deter animals from using your roof to nest.

Clear your roof of moss. You may think it’s a little harmless greenery that adds character to your roof, but moss can be a real problem, especially in winter. Moss has no roots, so it retains water so your roof will be damp underneath all year round – and if this water is allowed to freeze over winter, it can cause major damage such as cracks in your roof tiles.

Keep your guttering clean too. Gutter cleaning should be performed at least once a year – in autumn if possible so that your gutters can keep water flowing freely from your rooftop when winter sets in. Clean your gutters by scooping out any debris that’s blocking downpipes, and protect your downpipes from further dirt by placing a mesh guard inside to keep them clean. They’ll still need the occasional clean but this should limit the amount of rubbish that collects in them.

Carrying out Roof Repairs

Simple roof repairs may be undertaken by an experienced DIY-er, but make sure that you have the right equipment to work on the roof as working at height is a risky business. An extension ladder will ensure that you don’t have to stretch to reach anywhere, which can lead to lose your balance and fall. Use a tool belt so that your hands are free to help you keep your footing.

You can repair loose shingles by coating the underside with roof cement and pressing back into place firmly.  Shingles that have curled up can be bent back into shape in warm weather and pressed back into place.

If nails have worked themselves loose, make the area secure by hammering back into place so that there are no gaps. If lead flashings have come loose, seal them back up with a professional sealant to ensure that they’re still providing a watertight seal. Check the chimney cap to ensure that it’s sealed properly.

For professional roof repairs, contact G&A Roofing and Building. We are a leading roofing company that provides a vast range of care for leaking flat roofs and damaged guttering. We offer emergency repairs and home maintenance work too.

Call G&A Roofing and Building to discuss your requirements today on 0800 626430.

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