subject: Understanding The Importance Of Roof Maintenance [print this page] Most people do not put much time or effort into maintaining their roof, and in fact the thought barely crosses most people's minds. However, maintaining your roof is a very important step in protecting your house from a number of different types of weathering.
Because the roof is your house's first line of defense against weathering, keeping it in good repair will allow you to reduce the chance of your house being damaged by water, wind, or sun, and will enable you to save money overall. Here, we will go over some of the ways in which having a roof in good condition is beneficial, as well as some common repairs you may need to do.
Perhaps the most important thing your roof does in terms of protecting your house from the elements is to keep out rain. Water is a significant source of damage for houses, and the first step to keeping it out of your house is by keeping your roof in good condition.
Roofs have a number of defenses against water, including flashings (thin strips of metal used to seal areas around seams and corners), sealant, caulking, and so on. Gutters and drains will help get water off of your roof, and making sure they are not clogged is important.
Water can also damage your roof by collecting in debris, such as organic matter like twigs and leaves, that sits on your roof and soaks it up. When this water is left on your roof it can help grow mold and algae that can cause further problems.
Checking your roof periodically for any signs of water damage or debris and clearing debris from the surface of your roof and gutters and drains will help reduce the chance of water damaging your roof. In some cases, you may need to get help from a professional roof maintenance company, who can clear debris from tricky roofing situations.
Having a well maintained roof means that no water will soak through into your home, causing leaks and damaging everything from floors to furniture to electronics. A well maintained roof will also help protect your home from wind and sun, and will be more resistant to any debris that may strike it during a storm. If you are looking for a way to reduce the cost of maintaining your home, then having a roof in good repair can be a huge help and good first step.
