Roof is what is standing between you and sunlight, rain, snow, feces of birds along with natural disasters. Since we have established that the roof is the most important part of any individual’s life, let me ask a question that is going to make a bunch of you very uncomfortable. What are you doing to keep it over your head? How often do you run maintenance sprees on it? 

Have you thought about it? Would you like to do something to make the big fat investment which is your roof safer? Your stars are aligning just in the right direction today, as I am going to teach you six simplest of the ways to keep your roof healthy for years. 

1. Get Rid of Those Branches 

When the trees and branches are friends of the environment, the same cannot be said about the relationship of your roof and branches, according to the Roof Professionals. 

Simply put, branches are evil for your roof. You cannot allow trees to grow above or near your home’s roof at any cost. While it may sound bizarre, due to trees providing us the much needed oxygen factor, the truth is during any sort of natural disaster, even in the case of strong winds, branches tend to break. Breaking heavy branches may fall onto your roof, ending up damaging your roof. Maybe even breaking it. 

So, if after looking at a branch you wonder, “if it is too close?” Well, it might really be. The excellent solution will be to chop off the tree while planting a new one away from your roof, you can also go for trimming the tree every then and now, to get a secure roof.

2. The Downspouts Cleaning 

Downspouts or roof drains are often clogged after a heavy rain and for obvious reasons as well. After clearing gallons of water off your roof, some things like dirt, stones, leaves, et cetera will block it naturally. These vertical pipes that run down to the gutters are lifelines of your roof. 

They evacuate the rainwater from your roof, not allowing it to accumulate on your roof and messing it up. So, if you ever run across a clogged downspout, just try adding screens into them. Mesh screens are just another shortcut to cleaner downspouts. 

Another downspout prevention is to keep in mind that there are many joints, connections, and elbows used in downspouts. You must keep all these connections in check as well for any leaks and cracks. 

Your best bet is to check the pipes when it is raining. Fix if there are any leaks in the pipe or it may collapse very soon. 

3. Mingling With Shingles

This one is the easiest one on the list so far. As a homeowner you have to know how to check your roof shingles. It has to be a part of your weekend routine. Pay your roof a visit during the weekends and check for any broken or missing shingles. 

You should also pay attention to how your roof shingles look. If any area looks really streaky to you or you may find any cracked shingles, change them as soon as possible. Shingles can also be inspected from the ground. However, not all of them will be visible from down there, you eventually may have to go back up on the roof for a thorough inspection. 

4. Look Out For the Signs Within the Home

When there is something wrong with your roof, your home will start spreading out the signs all over it. All you need to do is, look. Translate what your home is telling you about your roof’s condition. 

Look for molds or any big black spots on your ceiling. If there are black spots on your ceiling, there are good chances that somewhere on your roof, either water or moisture has accumulated. Both of them will ruin your home in no time. Better keep them under the check. 

Dipping water from the roof is also a huge red flag, that indicates that your roof has been cracked. Repair the roof without any delays in this scenario, you do not have much time. 

5. Adopt a No Nest Policy 

It is your home, it is your roof, there cannot be a place for any bird or its family. Similar policy needs to be adapted for rodents as well. They can look cute but they are really the villains here. They will dig holes into your roof to make it their own home. 

You do not want holes in your roof do you? Good, chase them away whenever you notice any bird, squirrel or rat sitting on your roof for too long. 

Their presence under your roof is a bad sign and you should chase them out immediately when you notice their movement. Squirrels, as cute as they are, can and will chew onto your roof. Hence the no nest policy.  

There Can be Underlying Issues

There can be a lot of underlying issues, when it comes to roofs. You can add or replace attic insulation, can ensure proper ventilation in your home and there still can be issues. It is your most important part of the home we are talking about. 

With all the personal inspection, you should always get your roof checked by the professionals, every then and now. It is not about money, but about saving your life earnings and your family. A broken roof can end up hurting your family. 

So, even if you can, once every year, ask the pros to check your roof thoroughly for any dangerous business. 

Ending Note

So, these are six pro tips that are going to help you in protecting your home’s roof while extending its life. I am sure these tips will help you save a lot of money in repairs. You are going to eliminate the problem before it is even going to start. 

To end, while using any of these tips, always keep your security and your family’s as top priority. Whenever you are in doubt, it is safer to call the experts in, rather than doing a DIY on the roof. It is an important part of your life, take care of it with love.