The roof is one of, if not the most, important part of a building. Roofs often have a long lifespan of at least ten years, depending on how well they are kept. They require care and maintenance to last for as long as possible. Lack of proper maintenance will leave you looking for a new roof in a short time. Investing in roof maintenance is much cheaper than purchasing a new roof for your house.
Homeowners across the country do roof maintenance once in a while. In Denver, however, homeowners require regular maintenance due to the harsh weather conditions present in the area. The Colorado weather consists of strong winds, hail, snow, ice, and the scorching sun.
Roofs tend to give in easily when dealing with such weather conditions. The good news is that there are several things you can do as a Colorado homeowner to ensure that your roof lasts longer.
Common Roofing Problems in Denver
Most homeowners in Denver are keen on taking care of their property. The kind of weather experienced in the area poses a threat to the safety of their homes. Homeowner requires the best materials for their roofing and exterior walls to protect their families from external threats. The correct materials will ensure that your roof stays strong and safe even after a storm.
However, your good-quality roof will still encounter problems if it is not well-maintained. Regular maintenance will help you avoid regular roof replacements and make your roof last longer. The common issues facing Denver roofs include;
Exposure to sunlight
Denver roofs are exposed to 300 days of sunlight annually, increasing their rate of wearing out. Ordinary roof paint does not cope well with high temperatures, so you would require a reflective coating for your roof to survive.
Strong winds
Denver is prone to hurricanes and winds that blow at very high speeds. Such winds are a common cause of roof leaks in the area.
Snow
Too much snow piled up on one area on our roof damages the shingles and flashing. Snow can also cause ice dams on the edges of your roof.
Other causes of roof damage in Colorado include small animals, water damage, poor ventilation, and poor maintenance.
Importance of Regular Roof Maintenance
Roof maintenance is simply checking your whole roof for any damage. The damage to your roof could be in the form of holes, broken or missing shingles, cracks, and broken flashing.
Most Denver homeowners assume that annual maintenance is enough, but that is not the case. Denver roofs require maintenance at least twice or thrice a year to remain safe and operational.
Regular roof maintenance ensures that your roof’s lifespan reaches and even extends. The roof contractors will tell you the state of your roof and how long it can last.
Maintenance can help you save on the cost of replacing damaged items on your roof. It allows you to detect problems early and get them repaired before they get completely out of hand.
You also feel confident and get peace of mind knowing your home and family will remain protected under a healthy roof.
You could therefore call for roof inspections regularly to ensure the safety and well-being of your household.
Roof Maintenance Tips
1. Clean your gutters
The gutters direct rainwater away from the roof to the ground and further away from your home’s foundation. Tree branches, leaves, twigs, and pieces of broken shingles can clog your gutters and hinder the drainage of water. Birds can also build their nests on neglected gutters and cause further damage.
Clogged gutters force rainwater to fill up and eventually seep through your roof’s structure. The pooling water makes your gutters rust and rot after some time.
You can carry out the cleaning exercise by taking a ladder and a spatula and scooping out all the debris on your gutters. Run some water through and ensure that it flows smoothly from start to finish. Check on them at least twice a year to ensure they are clean and fully operational.
2. Replace missing shingles
Shingles are the parts that allow a roof to serve its function. You can tell the state of your roof just by looking at them. They are affected by the different weather patterns that are present every season.
Look out for cracked, curling, broken, or missing shingles and replace them. You should also check the flashing around your roof and ensure that none has peeled away or has been damaged.
3. Trim vegetation near your roof
Many Denver homeowners have a variety of trees growing around their property. Having trees around is pleasing, but you should monitor how they grow and ensure their branches do not reach your roof.
Leaves and branches could fall from the trees surrounding your roof and cause damage. Trim the overhanging branches near or directly above your roof to avoid any problems.
4. Clean your roof
Clean up your roof by getting rid of leaves or any other debris that could be present. The leaves could accumulate and cause damage to the shingles, and you might end up purchasing new shingles for your roof. Removal of debris will protect your roof and prevent the growth of mold and algae on it.
5. Get rid of moss, algae, and lichens
The changes in temperature and weather, in general, promote the growth of lichen, algae, and moss on your roof. The unwanted plants grow in some patches on the shaded areas of your roof and could cause severe damage if not removed on time.
You can scrub the growths off your roof if you detect them at an early stage. Once the plants grow, you will need help from professional roofing contractors to get rid of them. Apply products that contain zinc and copper on your roof to prevent the plans from growing again.
6. Check your attic
Your attic needs to be well-ventilated and insulated for your roof to stay healthy. Proper insulation can prevent ice dams from forming during the cold season. Look out for any signs of water and hail damage. You can also lookout for any roof leaks in the attic. Locating a leaky spot from inside the house is much easier than outside.
7. Look out for rust
Rust occurs on roofs made of iron and on any metallic part of the roof. You can scrub the rust off once you detect it or call on a roofing contractor to deal with the problem.
8. Ensure the flashings are sealed
The flashing is a piece of steel that connects your roof with the base of a chimney, skylight, or vent. Cracked, loose, or rusted flashing can cause roof leaks. Ensure that all the flashings are sealed or replaced for the safety of your household. You could also contact professional roofers to inspect your roof and repair any damaged flashings.
9. Get rid of ice dams
Ice dams are dangerous, and they can cause damage to both people and property. They can damage your roof and bring down your gutters due to their heaviness. Ice dams could also get loose and drop down at any moment, posing a risk to people walking or playing outside your house.
Calcium chloride is the best solution to getting rid of ice dams during winter. Going up to your roof during the winter season is putting your life at risk, so you should seek help from a roofing company.
10. Ask for a professional roof inspection
As a Denver homeowner, you should ensure that your roof goes through a thorough inspection regularly, especially after a hail storm or any storm. The roofer will pay attention to the most important parts of your roof and point out the potential problems your roof could encounter. The roofer will carry out any necessary repairs and leave you with tips on how to maintain your roof.
Call Professional Roofing Contractors
Most roofs require regular repair and maintenance to stay in good shape and protect your household. Seeking professional help from a roofing company ensures that you get the best maintenance services for your roof. You can rest assured that the roofing experts will maintain your roof in the best way possible. The roofing company will also inform you when you should seek a roof replacement.
Contact HotEdge to access the best roofing services and get a free estimate for your roof.
