Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in America, and for good reason. They’re durable, they’re attractive, and they’re relatively affordable. But like any roofing material, asphalt shingles require some maintenance to stay in good shape. Here are five tips for taking care of your asphalt roof.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
You should inspect your roof at least once a year to look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, you may need to inspect your roof more frequently. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracked sealant, or any other signs of damage. If you notice any problems, contact a professional roofing contractor, like Roof Cat, right away to have them repaired.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Your gutters play an important role in protecting your roof from water damage. When they’re clogged with leaves and other debris, they can’t do their job properly. As a result, water can build up on your roof and cause damage to the shingles and other components. To avoid this, make sure to clean your gutters on a regular basis (at least twice a year). You can do it yourself or hire a professional gutter cleaning service.
Trim Trees near Your Home
Trees can also cause problems for your roof if they’re not properly maintained. Overhanging branches can scratch or dent the shingles, and falling leaves can clog up your gutters. To prevent these problems, trim any tree branches that are within 10 feet of your home (and make sure to clean up any fallen leaves on a regular basis).
Remove Snow and Ice from Your Roof
Snow and ice can cause serious damage to asphalt shingles—not to mention the added weight can put stress on the structure of your roof itself. That’s why it’s so important to remove snow and ice from your roof as soon as possible after a storm (and preferably before it has a chance to melt and refreeze). You can do this yourself with a snow rake or hire a professional snow removal service. Either way, make sure not to damage the shingles in the process!
Hire a Professional for Major Repairs or Replacements
As mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, it’s important to have your roof regularly inspected and serviced by a professional contractor—especially if you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Professional contractors have the knowledge and experience necessary to spot potential problems before they become serious (and costly) issues. They also have the tools and equipment needed to safely repair or replace damaged shingles, gutters, or other components.
Taking care of your asphalt roof is important if you want it to last for many years. By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your roof, saving you money in the long run.