The roof of a home is one of the most visible exterior elements of the structure when viewed from a vantage point. Sadly, after being constantly exposed to changing weather patterns and other external factors, the roof is left to fend for itself. While it is true that most roofs can last 20 years or more, this is only possible if it is well cleaned and maintained during its first two decades of providing shelter.
Following these roofing contractors approved cleaning tips will help extend the life of the roof while also ensuring it stays in the best condition possible, even after the warranty has long expired.
Tip 1: Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Responsible homeowners must make it a priority to schedule a roof inspection with roofing companies in Chicago at least twice a year. The best time to do the inspection is after a season change such as after winter and after summer. These are the seasons that tend to cause damage to a roof because of the shift in temperature.
The inspections do not have to be limited to these instances. As long as they are scheduled regularly, all the necessary repairs and maintenance needs can be addressed as soon as possible to prevent damage from spreading.
Tip 2: Choose a Cleaner Well
There are specific roof cleaners in the market that help prevent mold and algae growth. Algae and mold on the roof isn’t just unattractive, it also retains water and speeds up roof rot when left unattended for a period of time. Manually scrubbing shingles can also work, but the use of proper roof cleaning agents will make the task a little easier on the shoulders.
Tip 3: Prune Trees and Nearby Branches
Leaves and branches can cause a lot of damage to a roof if they are not pruned and cleaned regularly. The branches can scrape and break shingles when blown by a strong gust of wind while leaves can turn into mulch when mixed with rain water. Both of these factors are easily fixed with regular tree and branch pruning. As long as none of the branches come near the roof, the leaves will not be a major concern either.
Just because the branches are located a few feet away doesn’t mean the leaves won’t fly and settle on the roof. It is still highly recommended by roofing experts to check for and remove all debris from the roof regularly.
Tip 4: Clear Out the Gutters
The gutters of a home play an important role when it comes to roof health. If the gutters are not cleaned regularly, a clog will form and water will not drain properly. Another issue with gutters is their tendency to break away from the home when the debris pile up and it becomes too heavy to support; this is a major problem because this damage will affect the roof’s overall performance.
Cleaning out the gutters is not a difficult task. It can be done by just anyone and as long as they are cleaned out regularly it shouldn’t take too long to finish the job.
Maintenance and Prevention
The best way to keep roofs looking and working in the best condition and longer than expected is to do regular maintenance repairs, even for the smallest signs of damage. Even if the roof is mostly out of sight that does not mean that it should be forgotten. Addressing the problems as soon as they arise is the job of every responsible homeowner. Working with a roofing company will make the process easier, especially if they can offer extended warranties for labor.
