Throughout the year and in all types of weather, the roof is your home’s first and best defense against the elements. As such, it absorbs the brunt of extreme temperatures, storms, and incidental wear and tear, which can dramatically shorten its life span and leave you in need of roof repairs or even a full replacement years before you expected it. Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps that can keep your roofing in good condition for years to come. Find out more in the article below.

A Guide to Essential Roof Maintenance

1. Clean the Gutters

Cleaning your gutters once in the fall and again in the spring is the most effective way to minimize debris, dirt, and insect and pest activity. When dirt, twigs, and leaves accumulate in gutters, they make it more difficult for water to drain away quickly. 

In the warmer months, this can raise the risk of water damage and attract pests like mosquitoes. In the winter, debris can trap water as it freezes, leading to the formation of ice dams that can force their way under shingles, leading to serious damage and leaks.

2. Trim Overhanging Branches

Besides cleaning gutters, it can benefit your roof in the long term to trim back overhanging branches that deposit twigs and leaves on your roofing and allow small animals to access your attic. In addition, high winds and heavy rain can break branches off and cause them to fall onto roofing, leading to a need for emergency roof repairs.

Trim back any branches at least 6 to 10 feet from the roof to protect it, and consider cutting down or replanting trees that are too close to your roofline.

3. Clean Roofing Regularly

Although it’s often overlooked, cleaning roofing is just as important as roof repair or gutter cleaning. Moss, algae, lichen, mold, and mildew can all grow in any number of areas on a roof. Not only can these growths force their way under your roof and separate or damage shingles and other materials, but they also typically grow in areas with plenty of moisture, thus indicating an underlying problem.

Avoid using a pressure washer on asphalt shingles, as this can remove the granules that help them stand up to inclement weather and sunlight. Instead, spread a mixture of equal parts bleach and water or a solution of gentle detergent in water over your roof and allow the mixture to sit for about half an hour. Afterward, rinse it off with a garden hose.

Whether you need help from a roof repair specialist or a full roof replacement, the professionals at J.E.V. Roofing Company are here to help. Serving the Tucson, AZ, community for over 40 years, they offer a full range of repair and maintenance services delivered with consistent attention to detail and quality workmanship. Call (520) 888-7802 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more.