The roof is one of the structures in your home that is designed for longevity and durability. But, the fact of the matter is that the roof is also the most exposed to the elements. Therefore, it is inevitable that your roof will spring a leak at some point in the future. What some individuals may not realise though is that they could be posing an unnecessary risk of roof leaks occurring simply by not observing the right care and maintenance for their structure. This risk is particularly high if you live in an old residence whose building supplies have started to reach the end of their lifespan. So how do you ensure that you are not putting your roof at risk of unnecessary leaks?
Prevent any walking on your roof
One thing to note about roofing is that their durability is designed to withstand elements such as gale winds, rainstorms and erratic temperature changes. Simply because the roof is supposed to be strong does not mean it is capable of supporting the weight of an adult. You may be tempted to walk on your roof in an attempt of cleaning it, but the reality is you could easily cause damage to the shingles or tiles. Even minor cracks on the roofing will eventually expand, leading to water ingress and inevitable leaks in the home. It is prudent to keep walking on your roof to a minimum or avoiding it altogether.
Prevent debris from collecting on your roof
It may sound counterintuitive to say that you should never walk on your roof but that you should also ensure the roof is kept clear of debris. However, the reality is you could actually keep your roof free of debris without having to get up on it yourself. Occasionally, it is essential to hire roofers who can carry out maintenance cleaning on your roofing and get rid of organic matter and any objects that may have become stuck on your roof. It is important to invest in this cleaning as leaving the debris to collect for years will cause undue pressure on your roof, increasing the chances of damage.
Prevent ice from forming on your roof
The biggest enemy to your roofing is the formation of ice dams. The reason for this is that the ice not only causes prolonged exposure to moisture but the contracting and expanding of the roofing materials due to the ice forming can cause structural damage to the shingles and tiles. During the colder months, it would be advisable to install heaters inside the roof eaves. Another measure you could consider is sprinkling ice on the roof if snow or hail has been forecast.
Share6 September 2017
Hello, my name is Ryan and this is my blog. I don't work in the roofing industry but I recently had to spend a week on the roof of my home trying to fix it up. I am pretty good at DIY, but in the end, I had to call in a roofing contractor to help me out. I decided to replace the entire roof and that wasn't a job I was going to take on my own. I have learnt a lot during the past few weeks and I hope to use this blog to pass on some of my knowledge.