A roof is a vital component of your home. A leaking roof, a fungus infected roof or a damaged roof will not be able the basic duties for which it is made. To ensure that your roof is in a “healthy state” monthly monitoring is required. Also, get in the habit of checking up on it after a serious storm or after a particularly hot or wet week. Chances are that your roof will require some touches here and there.
How to take care of your roof: Flashing
Flashing is designed to provide a watertight junction between roof materials and structure, especially if the roof projects out or changes design. If the roofing contractor has not taken adequate measures, the flashing will wear off long before the stipulated time. If you are installing a new roof, it is worthwhile to get the flashing checked as it is a common failure area.
How to take care of your roof: gutters
We generally do not pay attention to the gutters, leading into down pipes from the roof, which is so important to the stability of our roof. The simple fact that these gutters are blocked with leaves and twigs can cause a big problem and nuisance. Roofs must have adequate run off, especially in the areas which may have snow. Water trapped in the gutter will mean that it will back up the roof for a few inches and have time to seep into the edges of the roofing tiles.
How to take care of your roof: algae
Algae cause unsightly discoloration of your roof. Algae affects any roof in any environmental condition and can easily find it’s home on your roof as it is carried through wind, squirrels, birds, etc.
To stop this algae onslaught, ensure that get algae resistant roof shingles. These algae resistant roof shingles actually have copper built directly into the colored granules. Copper stops algae before it attaches to your home. These shingles do cost a little extra, but the price is better than to have an algae infested roof, which might require you to remodel your roof entirely.