When it comes to maintaining a property, many tend to focus most on performing landscaping, etc. Meanwhile, we tend to neglect other parts of the property. Learning how to maintain your roof and gutters is incredibly important if you don’t want to shell out thousands of dollars on repairs every other year.
Here are a few simple ways to keep up with your property’s roof and gutters.
1. Remove gutter debris
SOURCE: PEXELS
Sticks, leaves and other debris can clog your gutters if you don’t keep an eye on them. When this buildup occurs, it can cause flooding, broken gutters, mold around the roof and serious damage to building foundations. Cleaning your gutters one or two times each season will help prevent these blockages and keep homes dry.
2. Trim trees
Make your job easier by trimming trees whose branches hang over your buildings or gutters. Prune to remove weak or dead limbs at any time of year. Just be sure to leave the top of the tree as-is. If you cut off too much greenery or most of the upper branches, you risk killing the tree or altering its natural form.
3. Clear off snow
During the cold winter months, snow may also gather in excess on top of your roof. This accumulation can cause ice dams that collapse the roof, as well as lead to water spots, leaks, cracked walls and more as pressure builds. Use a roof rake to remove snow before it becomes a much bigger issue.
4. Replace shingles
Hire an inspector to check your roof each year. A professional will likely be able to spot curling, cracked or missing shingles better than you and can easily replace them. Switching out old shingles for new ones will prolong the life of your roof and allow you to postpone expensive full-roof replacements.
5. Seal seams and joints
SOURCE: PEXELS
While missing shingles and excess snow may be the culprits causing a leaky roof, there’s also a chance cracking mortar around joints and seams may be to blame. Reseal any gaps with caulk and use a putty knife to completely cover the area. If the roof is corrugated, you should also seal the edges where the panels meet.
6. Check for pests
Spring is the mating season for animals, which means they may target your apartment complex when looking for a place to nest during the warmer months. Avoid squirrels, raccoons, bats, rats and other critters by keeping an eye out for signs of infestation. Additionally, you may consider hiring an inspector or exterminator if there’s pitter-patter in the ceiling.
7. Ventilate
In the summer, it’s not uncommon for roofs to experience excess heat and moisture. This cycle of wet and dry materials can cause rotting and produce mold over time. Of course, these issues compromise the roof’s integrity and overall insulation abilities. With proper ventilation, however, you give your roof room to breathe, keeping it dry and strong for many years.
Prioritizing roof and gutter maintenance
In a storm, your roof and gutters are your first line of defense. They’re what will keep you safe and dry. Therefore, these parts of your property deserve just as much care as anything else. Preventive maintenance will save you from multiple expensive repair costs, keeping you happy.
AUTHOR: KACEY BRADLEY
Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online and more!
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