Whether you’ve had to put a roof on your home recently or not, it makes sense to care for the roof to get the most years from it. Plus, roofing material that is well maintained does a better job protecting your home from moisture that can cause mold and rot while destroying walls, carpeting and household valuables. These roof maintenance tips will give your roof more years and keep it looking its best.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Falling branches are the most dangerous preventable cause of roof damage. The most common causes of falling branches are high winds and old trees. Dead branches that soak up water during heavy rains are at very high risk for falling. Have a license and insured tree service remove branches or entire trees that represent a risk to your home and your insurance premiums.

Inspect and Repair the Roof Regularly and After Storms

You or a licensed professional should be looking at your roof at least on an annual basis. The spring and fall are good times for the inspection as part of looking over the entire exterior. The roof should also be inspected after storms with high windsor large hail.

Here are the most common problems for the most popular roofing materials:

• Asphalt shingles: Cupping, cracked, damaged and missing shingles; gaps between shingles and walls, chimneys and similar projections
• Cedar shakes and shingles: Cracked, rotting and missing material, missing flashing
• Metal roofing: Missing or corroded fasteners, gaps between roofing sections
• Rubberized roofing: Damage and gaps between the roofing and projections

While the best way to inspect the roof is by getting up to it or onto it with a ladder, the roof can also be checked from the ground using binoculars to get a good look at it. If you are uncomfortable on ladders or a roof, call a roofing contractor.

Clean your Roof as Needed

Moisture and a lack of sun on the roof will lead to the growth of algae and moss. This will happen over time even if the material is treated to inhibit them. While the issue is mainly aesthetic for asphalt shingles, it can lead to the deterioration of wood shakes and shingles. The best solution to algae and moss is to have the roof power-washed by a professional who knows the right techniques and pressure level to get the job done without damaging the roofing material.

Remove debris when it builds up on the roof. The biggest danger is that it will wash down into the gutters and downspouts where it will block the natural drainage of water. When this occurs, water will overflow the drainage system and fall to the ground near the foundation. The result is often basement leaks and flooding.

Proper roof maintenance will extend the life of the roofing material and prevent damage to your home from the elements. The money spent on maintaining a roof is just a fraction of the cost of roof repair and replacement. Maintain your roof regularly to get the best protection and value it has to offer.