5 Roofing Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners
Your home is a constant work in progress. Whether you are updating your kitchen, landscaping, or simply putting up a fresh coat of paint, many parts of your home require maintenance. In addition, however, other unseen features of a home need regular maintenance, such as your furnace and air conditioning systems, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and even your rooftops and gutters. We’re sharing five roofing maintenance tips to help new homeowners keep their roofs performing longer.
Inspect Your Roof
You will want to inspect your roof to ensure your shingles or shakes are in place. The inspection can either be done on your own, viewing your roof from a distance or by a professional who can inspect the roof from above. This should ideally be done after a big storm and as the seasons change. A roof inspection that needs professional attention is usually only necessary for troubled parts or if you notice any specific problems. Otherwise, you can do it visually on your own.
Clean Your Eavestrough & Gutters
Another maintenance necessity when owning a home is ensuring your eavestroughs and gutters are clean. Cleaning them every fall and or spring will help prevent build-up. You may want a professional to help with the cleaning process unless you have a sturdy ladder and a second person to spot you safely. If you need help cleaning your eavestrough or gutters on your own, a professional will generally recommend that you first remove any leaves or debris by hand and then use a gutter scoop to remove any bits that are lodged or stuck in the gutter. Once you finish that, you may want to use a hose to wash any remnants.
Prepare in Advance for Roof Repairs & Replacements
Inspecting your roof regularly helps you catch minor repairs before they become significant issues. You should have a regular contact you can always rely on, during any season. At Dwight’s Roofing, you can expect that a trusted team of professionals will administer all your roofing repairs and replacements. Being a regular client of a company you know gets the job done right can save you money in the long run.
Remove Snow Pile-Ups
In our cold Canadian winters, ice and snow build-up are a constant headache for homeowners, especially ice dams. Ice dams are something all homeowners should be aware of. They can not only be destructive to property, but they can also be a safety concern. An ice dam can occur when large amounts of snow accumulate on your roof. When the temperatures rise, the snow begins to melt, running to the foot of your roof and then refreezing, creating a dam. This dam can hold off excess run-off and snow, building up over time until it eventually falls or is so heavy that it causes damage to your roof. To avoid this risk, you can clear your roof of snow before the freeze-thaw season begins.
Maintain Your Cedar Shingles or Shakes
The maintenance process may differ slightly if your roof has cedar shingles or shakes. Cedar is less likely to be affected by harsh weather conditions as it is a natural material. One should clean and maintain cedar shingles or shakes every 2-4 years professionally, as this helps keep your roof functioning properly and helps avoid damage. Taking proper care of your roof can extend its lifespan up to 30 years.
Roof Repair & Shingle Maintenance in Edmonton
Roof repair and shingle maintenance are tasks all homeowners must consider. Knowing who to call is the first step in ensuring your roof is well-maintained. Having a company you can trust, with professional attention to detail, is a game changer for keeping your roof safe and up to date. At Dwight’s Roofing, we will handle all your roof maintenance, repairs, and installations. Visit Dwight’s Roofing website today to request a quote!
