There’s nothing like a beautiful, new roof. But did you know that, for optimal protection and beauty, your roof needs routine care and maintenance? Even though it might seem like all you have to do is power wash the dry dirt off twice a year and replace shingles when they wear out, there are other things that need to be done too.

To help you stay on top of any potential issues with your roof, we’ve put together this list of 10 tips for maintaining your roof clean and protected. While some of these might seem obvious to those who have been around roofs for a while, there might be something here that you haven’t thought about before

Get a roof inspection

A roof inspection will give you a general idea of the condition of your roof. Even if there are no major problems, it’s still a good idea to have a professional check for any signs of early damage. When the inspector comes out to inspect your roof, they’ll be able to identify any potential areas for leaks or other problems so you can take care of them before they turn into bigger issues.

A qualified roofing company can also detect problems with ventilation, insulation, or wiring problems in your attic space that could lead to fire hazards in the future. 

Inspections are also important when selling your home. Homes with leaks will have much lower prices than those without.

Replace roofing materials

This is the most crucial step when it comes to roofing. If you don’t like the color or pattern of your current roof, you will need to replace it with something else.

Replace gutters and downspouts

These are also important when looking for a new roof because they help channel rainwater away from the house and into the ground. If not taken care of properly, gutters can cause water damage and other problems in your home.

Check the slope

Sloped roofs channel water away from your home and provide an extra layer of defense against leaks.

Many people are unaware that if they have an asphalt shingle roof, they should swap it out for a metal one every 20 years to avoid it leaking. This may seem costly but even if you invest in a metal roof at the beginning, it will save you money over time.

Keep gutters clean and free from debris

If you don’t keep your gutters clean, the water will overflow and make a mess. This will cause serious damage to your home, not to mention your shingles may be ruined as well. If your gutters are clogged, water will have a hard time being drained from your roof. This can lead to standing water and the possibility of rot, mold, and other damage. Regular maintenance can prevent these problems from occurring.

Clean out your gutters regularly and make sure to get rid of any debris that collects in it. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can make your gutters heavy and lead to water leaks.

Clean moss off of shingles

Moss is a beautiful thing when it’s in a garden or in a forest. It can be a problem, however, when it starts to grow all over the roof of your home. Moss is an invasive plant that doesn’t do anything good for the shingles on your roof. In fact, it can cause significant damage to the integrity of the roof and make leaks worse if left unchecked for too long. If you see moss on your shingles, it’s time to take action.

You want to remove moss, not just clean it off. Moss will grow back unless it’s thoroughly removed. This is also an indication of an issue with aging shingles which need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Fix missing shingles

If you think you’ve got a case of missing shingles, there are some things you should be doing. The first thing to do is make sure that the problem isn’t your flashing. If it is, you’ll need to replace your flashing before anything else. If it’s not, the next step is to figure out if the damage was caused by wind or water. If it was caused by water, then you’ll need to replace any wet shingles and wait for them to dry before installing new ones.

Seal nail holes and cracks

Creating a water-tight seal around the nail hole and cracks will prevent leaks. You can do this by using roofing mastic or coating the area with caulking. It’s also important to make sure that you don’t miss out on any spots, especially around chimneys, vents, and skylights where rain could enter the structure. This will prevent drafts from coming in and your home from getting too cold. You can use caulking for this task, but it doesn’t work as well on corrugated roofing.

Fix leaks promptly

Leaks will only get worse when left untreated. Small leaks can lead to major damage in the long-term. It is important to make sure that you fix any leaks promptly so that they do not become a big problem down the line.

Use a pressure washer safely on your roof

A pressure washer is a great way to clean your roof, but many people don’t know how to use this tool safely. Here are the safety precautions you need to take when using a pressure washer on your roof:

1. Always wear protective eyewear and clothing while you’re operating the pressure washer 
2. Test the water spray away from any object before you start working
3. Use the low-pressure setting on your machine for cleaning or anything that isn’t heavy duty

Check for loose or cracked tiles on your rooftop. If you have ones that are not securely attached to the roof, replace them as soon as possible.

A roof that’s aging and cracked is a disaster waiting to happen. You need to keep an eye on your roof and replace or repair any tiles that are loose or cracked. Keep in mind that if you use lightweight tiles, they’ll be more likely to come off easily than heavier ones.

Ensure the roof is built to breathe

A roof needs to be well-ventilated, especially during the summer months. A roof that is built well will not only last longer but will also increase the amount of time it takes for heat to build up in your home.

Don’t let neglect of your roof lead to disaster – call a professional roofing company in Toronto,  now !