Being a homeowner is a full-time job. It’s definitely something that brings you plenty of joy, as nothing beats that feeling of being proud after seeing your property shine in all of its glory. For that to happen, a homeowner needs to invest plenty of time into maintaining their property. As one of the biggest aspects of any property, the roof over your head will entail special care and consideration. Luckily, we here at Peak Services are experts when it comes to roof cleaning and maintenance. We know how to make a roof last and we’ll be more than happy to share some insight with you. Pay attention to the following tips and tricks and get to work right after reading this article.
It all begins with your roof. Make sure it’s always in its optimal condition.
Roof cleaning and maintenance – eight essential tips
Everyone has their idea of what taking care of their roof is supposed to look like. And while many things are open for interpretation, taking care of your roof shouldn’t be one of them. There are some actions that you need to take to ensure the complete safety of your roof – here’s what they are.
1. Visually inspect your roof
Spring is usually the time when most people decide to do maintenance on their homes. The weather is perfect for taking care of numerous projects, including those related to your roof. All homeowners should visually inspect their roofs at least once a year, although it can’t hurt to be more vigilant than that.
Don’t worry – a visual inspection of your roof won’t entail you climbing on high levels if that’s something you are uncomfortable with. Most people can see their roof from the ground, allowing them to take note of its condition. We suggest that you look for the obvious signs of damage – loose and cracked shingles, dark spots, and failing flashing are all conditions that can be seen from the ground up. All of these types of damage should be rather easy to notice, which is why your estimate should be an accurate one, without any hidden fees.
2. Get your roof professionally inspected
What happens if you notice some common signs of damage during your annual roof inspection? Well, you do the only logical thing and find reliable professionals in your area who you know will be able to repair the damage. Time is of the essence and it’s always better to fix these issues before the problem becomes too big to handle.
Waste no time – the problems won’t get fixed on their own.
Of course, you can’t rely only on your own estimate if you know that you don’t know the first thing about roofs. It’s always better to play it safe and get your roof professionally inspected by experts who know what they are doing. If you are not too keen on spending money on professional roof cleaning and maintenance, just think about all the money you will save by preventing any bigger problems. You don’t need us to tell you how much roof repairs cost.
Likewise, if you notice a flock of birds on your rooftop, we suggest you be proactive. They can cause more damage to your property than you can imagine. Thus, find bird control Las Vegas services and have a pigeon-free rooftop once again. We are sure you won’t miss those bird droppings that can be seen all over your property.
3. Wash your roof
Your roof is what protects you from rain, snow, and all the external weather conditions. But there’s nothing that will protect your roof from the weather. Thus, roofs tend to get quite dirty, which you can notice if you see any dark streaks that look like they are dripping down from the peak down the shingles. And this is just the aesthetics of the roof we are talking about – we haven’t even touched upon all the problems that can arise.
Damp shingles can lead to algae and mold growth, which can become problematic and costly to resolve. Thus, it’s best to either invest some money in roof cleaning Las Vegas services or simply clean your roof by yourself. If you opt for the latter, make sure that you use a soft-wash mixture that will clean your roof, as well as prevent future algae growth.
Be extra careful about the pressure you apply – your roof is more sensitive than it looks.
And whatever you do, please don’t pressure wash your roof. By doing this, you can end up spraying water under your shingles, which will cause a world of problems – at least financially speaking. This will cause water damage and further mold growth, and you’ll have to take care of a much bigger problem than it initially was.
4. Take care of your gutters
Gutters are an important part of your roof construction. They carry an important function, as they keep your home nice and insulated. Thus, we suggest you clean your gutters twice a year – during spring and autumn. Why is it so important to keep your gutters clean?
Well, for starters, you might have noticed during your regular roof cleaning sessions that gutters are prone to collecting debris. If debris manages to pile up too high in the gutters, it is most likely to prevent the water from flowing to the downspouts. That water can then soak into the roof and cause some areas of the roof to rot. And don’t even get us started about the additional damage that can be caused by clogged gutters. We are talking about wet basements, staining, and erosion – all words that are enough to give any homeowner some serious nightmares.
Make no mistake – gutter problems left untreated can lead to significant financial damage, and you might even have to replace your roof completely. Thus, be wise and clean your gutters regularly. If you decide to do it by yourself, make sure you have the appropriate equipment, such as gloves. But if you want to be 100% sure you are doing it right, you can always invest in professional gutter cleaning services. As a homeowner, this is one of the best long-term investments you can make.
5. Take control of overhanging trees
This one is closely connected to the previous one. If you notice that your gutters are constantly full of debris, it could be because there is an overhanging tree located nearby. Take note that the tree doesn’t have to be hanging over your property – it’s enough for it to be in your backyard. The leaves and seeds can easily get blown right to your gutters, causing the aforementioned congestion that we would all like to avoid. Thus, be regular in trimming the trees that are located on your property.
Trees can add great beauty to your backyard. But they can also add damage.
Pay special attention to any large branches that have the potential to come in contact with your roof. We are sure you have seen what it looks like when a branch is hitting your windows and the sides of your property during a storm. If the branches in your backyard are large enough to reach your roof, you could be facing some major issues. These branches could even break off during a storm and cause damage so big that you might be in need of a full roof replacement. But let’s not go there – we don’t like to think about the worst-case scenarios.
We know – roof cleaning and maintenance entails more work than you initially thought it would, but it definitely saves homeowners from a lot of trouble. As we said, it’s best to work on preventing the issues than having to fork out tens of thousands of dollars to fix a problem that could have been avoided.
6. Give your chimney the attention it deserves
This tip is only for homeowners whose roofs have a chimney. It goes without saying that you won’t look into chimneys if you have solar panels. No – you’ll look into solar panel cleaning Las Vegas solutions while homeowners with regular roofs will have to take the state of their chimneys into consideration.
Chimney problems cannot be handled in the DIY style.
Why is it so important to make the chimney one of the focal points of your roof maintenance and cleaning spree? Well, this part of your roof is actually the one that’s most susceptible to damage, heat escape, and leaks. Even a thing such as a loose brick on your chimney can have negative effects, as it can break off and damage your shingles. Thus, if you happen to notice any problems with your chimney, no matter how insignificant they might seem, we suggest you contact a professional immediately. Chimney problems can even lead to leaks down the sides of your walls. Thus, be proactive and avoid bigger problems while there is still time.
7. Keep an eye on your attic
If you have a chimney that is leaking, you might be able to locate the problem in your attic. However, noticing any leaks in your attic doesn’t have to mean it’s coming from the chimney. They can also be coming from your roof which is leaking and causing water damage. The things you should be looking for are:
- Signs of discoloration or dark spots on the floor of your attic.
- Insulation that looks moldy or wet.
- A musty scent.
Keep in mind that, many times, homeowners will not notice any physical signs of leaks. However, they will be able to smell what can only be described as a musty scent. This scent can point to two things. One, there’s a lot of moisture in your attic and, two, you have poor insulation.
Both of these problems can ultimately lead to water damage. And we have already established that any damage on your roof can be too expensive to repair. Alas, you’ll have to find a way, as every home needs a healthy roof.
8. Insulation and ventilation
Now that you are done with an attic inspection, you should have an idea whether the insulation in your home is good. We can’t stress enough how important it is to have zero insulation and ventilation problems. That’s because with this system running as it should, your home will be able to retain heat in the winter. Likewise, it will ensure your home remains cool in the summer, providing you with perfect inside conditions year-round.
For the most comfortable inside conditions, pay attention to the outside.
Due to the importance of this system, we advise that you have a professional take a look. An annual inspection can catch any problems before they manage to form. On the other hand, with plenty of effort, you could go down the DIY route. Replace vents when necessary and provide your home with more effective ventilation. We know that roof maintenance and cleaning will have you burning the candle at both ends. However, that’s what needs to happen if you want to keep your home in its optimal condition.
The bottom line
Roof cleaning and maintenance is a mandatory task for any responsible homeowner. Some of these chores ought to be handled annually, while others entail more work. For example, cleaning your gutters and trimming the branches isn’t something you should do only once a year. On the other hand, there’s no need for a quarterly professional roof inspection. It’s important to stay diligent and prevent any problems before they appear. And if you ever find yourself in need of professional roof cleaning and maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
At Peak Services, we make sure that your roof is always in its optimal condition. Whether you have solar panels in place or a regular roof, we’ll ensure that one of the most important constructions on your house keeps on doing its job of protecting you.
