Keeping the roof well-maintained can prevent rot, leaks and other structural damage to the rest of the building. Roof maintenance includes cleaning gutters, removing debris and inspecting the attic for signs of problems.
A trained roofer performs regular roofing inspections, preferably on a biannual basis. This allows for early problem detection and makes repairs more manageable.
Gutters play a critical role in protecting your home from serious water damage. The gutters’ job is to channel rainwater and snow melt away from your roof and foundation. Without properly functioning gutters, your home could suffer from basement flooding, foundation cracking and settlement, soil erosion, mold and mildew, rotting fascia boards, paint damage, siding issues and much more.
To prevent these problems, you must regularly check and clean your gutters. Start by walking around your property to visually inspect the condition of the gutters. Look for clogs, sagging and misalignment. If you see any of these problems, they must be addressed promptly to avoid costly water damage.
Check the Gutter Debris: Look for leaves, twigs and other debris in your gutters and downspouts. Using a ladder, carefully clear the debris. Also, check the downspouts for rust, holes and corrosion.
Examine for Signs of Storm Damage: If your gutters have sustained dents, you should inspect them for damage to other parts of your home. If you find any, you should call your insurance provider to file a claim.
Inspect the Downspouts: Check for rust, holes, clogs and other problems. Ensure that the downspouts are securely fastened to the gutter and that they are directing water away from the foundation of your home.
Check for a Sagging or Misalignment: If your gutters are sagging, it is likely due to an inadequate slope. This problem can cause water to overflow from the gutters, damaging the shingles and surrounding areas of your home.
Look for a Space Between the Gutter and the Wall: If you notice a gap between your gutters and your home’s wall, this may indicate that the hangers or spikes that hold the gutters to the rafters have become loose. This will require the attention of a professional to repair.
While a newer gutter system is less likely to experience clogs than an older one, you must still check and clean them regularly. In addition, you should install eavestrough protectors to reduce the number of leaves that can clog your gutters. These mesh grates help keep debris from entering the gutters and allow the downspouts to function correctly.
Inspect Your Attic
Home inspectors look for a number of things when they go into your attic, including the condition of wiring and insulation, but the most important thing is structural integrity. If you have major issues, it can impact the value of your house and even prevent it from selling.
To avoid problems like ice dams and mold growth, it is recommended that you inspect your attic on a regular basis. A detailed inspection can last up to an hour. In addition to checking for signs of moisture, a good inspector will also assess ventilation and insulation. This includes examining the attic’s soffit and ridge vents to ensure that they are free of debris, allowing for proper airflow and preventing moisture build-up. They will also check the attic’s insulation for any gaps or areas that need to be replaced. Insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature, while also lowering energy bills.
A good inspector will also evaluate the attic’s rafters and beams to make sure that they are not warped, rotted, or bowed. This can be a major issue since a bowed or warped beam will affect the structural integrity of your roof. A home inspector will also check the attic’s insulation to ensure that it is intact and adequately sized. Insufficient insulation is a common problem, and can result in high energy bills.
In addition to checking for the condition of your attic’s structure and insulation, a home inspector will also check for signs of pest infestations, mold, and water damage. These can be very expensive to repair, so it is important that you keep up with your maintenance.
If you decide to perform a DIY attic inspection, make sure you wear a dust mask and use an air-tight vacuum cleaner to clean up the cobwebs. It is also important to be careful when stepping around as you could easily step on vent pipes or fire sprinkler lines, both of which can lead to serious injuries.
It is also a good idea to have an attic inspection done by a professional before you put your house on the market. This will help you identify and fix issues before a potential buyer sees them, saving you money in repairs and time on the market.
Trim Trees Near Your House
Adding trees to your home’s landscape gives it natural beauty and curb appeal. However, it’s important to keep your trees trimmed to prevent branches from getting too close to the roof, causing damage or creating a bridge for pests. If a branch falls on your roof, it can cause water damage or mold issues. If it catches an electrical wire, it could spark a house fire.
Branches that hang over your roof should be trimmed on an annual basis. It’s also wise to trim tree branches that are close to the ground and encroaching on your property line or power lines. These limbs are at risk of falling during heavy storms and can cause damage to your property or even injury. Keeping your trees well-trimmed is also a good way to reduce the risk of limbs or entire trees falling onto your house during a storm.
If a tree or tree limbs become too close to your home, it’s recommended that you consult with a professional arborist. This person can prune your trees in a safe manner and help you reduce the risk of damage to your property and injuries.
Proper tree trimming is essential to the health of your trees and can extend their lifespan. It includes removing dead branches, rubbing branches, and stubs from where branches have fallen. It also opens up the canopy of your trees, allowing sunlight and air to get to the entire tree. This can decrease the chances of disease and can transform those modest trees in your front yard into beautiful, healthy trees that add character to your home’s exterior.
In addition, proper pruning of trees is also a great way to lower your home insurance costs. If your trees are in poor shape, it could raise your premium or result in a denial of coverage for your property.
For most homeowners, hiring a professional tree service is the best option. A reputable company will be licensed and insured and will have a crew that has passed background checks and drug tests. It’s important that you trust a company with this responsibility so that you don’t end up with an inexperienced crew doing a bad job and causing more damage to your home.
Inspect Your Roof
The roof of your home performs several major tasks: it sheds water, prevents wind and snow from entering the structure, allows for proper air circulation and protects you and your belongings. Because of this, it is not uncommon for roofs to experience some normal wear and tear or severe weather damage. Keeping up with routine maintenance is the best way to catch these issues early on and prevent them from getting worse.
A professional roof inspection can help you find and repair roof problems. However, you can also take a few simple steps to inspect your roof and keep it in good condition for the long-term.
Start by walking around the outside of your house and making note of any areas that seem to be in disrepair. Look for shingles that are missing or curled, as these can be easy entry points for water leaks. You should also pay attention to any rust spots on flashing. Finally, be sure to check for caulk that has cracked or lifted, as this is another common source of leaks.
If you are a little squeamish about climbing up on the roof, you can use binoculars or a ladder to examine your roof from the ground or inside your attic. However, be careful not to walk too close to the edge of your roof. You could fall and seriously injure yourself. You should also avoid walking on your roof if there is heavy snow or rain.
In addition to examining shingles, a qualified roofing inspector will also look at the structural integrity of your roof. They will check for sagging or uneven roof planes and will closely examine the fascia and soffit boards, as well as the condition of gutters and vent pipes. Inspectors will also inspect skylights, chimneys and other penetrations for signs of damage.
A roofing expert will also examine the materials and workmanship that went into your roof when it was originally installed or repaired. They will look for any workmanship issues that might have resulted in the original installation or poor repairs that might lead to additional problems down the road.