Homeownership requires a lot of hard work, and with all the important parts to keep track of, it’s often easy to forget about your roof. However, maintaining your roof is crucial for the overall health of your home, and it’s important to take certain steps to keep it in good shape. The roof of a property not only acts as a cover against weather elements but also plays a role in the structural integrity of the building. If the roof is suffering a lot of wear and tear and have not been inspected for a long time, it could result in other problems like leaking, mold, and damage to the property. Here are six tips for roof maintenance.

1. Check Shingles After Each Season

According to Forbes, roofing shingles have a typical lifespan of 30 years before they need to be replaced. Roofing shingles play a vital role in a roof’s waterproofing, and with the ever-changing weather, they can take quite a beating. Making sure they’re in good shape is one of the most crucial steps of roof maintenance.

2. Clean and Maintain Gutters

Gutters are essential in allowing water to flow off your roof without pooling. The gutter is a crucial part of your home’s drainage, so keeping it clean and ensuring that the flow of water is free will go a long way. In addition to regularly cleaning your gutters of debris that accumulates throughout the year, it’s also good to mend any broken or cracked pipes.

3. Let the Professionals Tackle the Technical Maintenance

While you may feel comfortable doing minor maintenance on your roof, you may need more specialized tools to tackle other aspects. Replacing shingles and gutters may also be a bit of a challenge without expert experience. Not to mention, climbing on tall ladders and navigating your roof alone can be very dangerous. It’s better and less risky if the pros do the hard work for you. Professionals are highly trained and experienced, which should give you added peace of mind.

4. Clear Out Overhangings

Trees are beautiful, especially mature trees. Still, when they overgrow, and the branches get in the way of the gutters and roof, they may cause damage. Overhanging branches can also cause blockages, so regularly trimming them is a highly important part of maintenance. This will not only ensure the safety of your roof, but protect your home as a whole.

5. Drain Ice Dams

Ice dams can cause a world of trouble for homeowners since they lead to water-related damage. When ice dams are not drained, water will continue to build up and eventually cause leakage from the roof into the home or yard. Oftentimes, the owner might not even be aware that this is a problem, and it ends up causing damage to materials, walls, and items inside the house.

6. Have a Professional Inspection Done

If your roof is more than 10 years old, Bob Vila recommends having it inspected by a roofing contractor. A professional eye can often catch problems that aren’t noticeable to the average person, so even if your roof hasn’t passed the decade mark yet, it can still be helpful to schedule an inspection. This way, you can rest assured that you aren’t missing any damage that could cost you lots of money down the line.

Whether you’re going about a home improvement project or simply doing regular maintenance, your roof is a long-term investment that’s definitely worth the effort. Don’t neglect to maintain it properly and have it inspected, especially if it’s more than 10 years old. Find trusted professionals that can help you meet your goals, making sure they are also certified and insured to do the job. If you do that and follow all of the above tips, you can keep your roof in good shape for the long term.