Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the United States. They're also one of the most durable. And while asphalt shingles are generally considered to be low-maintenance, there are some basic steps you can follow to keep your roof looking great for years to come.
Inspect Your Shingles Regularly
Inspecting your roof is important for a variety of reasons, but the most crucial one is very obvious: it may help you spot signs of wear and tear before they become serious problems.
If you want to try inspecting your own roof, first make sure that both yourself and your ladder are safe. Then begin by looking for any cracks in the shingles or missing shingles. Finally, look for signs of wear and tear on windowsills inside basements where rainwater may collect easily instead of flowing off into gutters like it should—this could indicate water damage.
That being said, inspecting your roof on your own can be dangerous. Also, you might not know what to look for and miss important warning signs. So get in touch with a professional roofing company for a free roof inspection.
Trim Any Overhanging Branches
Trimming branches is extremely important to the longevity of your shingles. Not only can they cause damage to the roofing material itself, but they can also lead to leaks inside your house.
Trim branches that overhang your roof so that water does not drip down onto it when there is rain or snowfall on those branches. If you have trees near your house, trim any branches that seem too close for comfort—5 feet away from the house is usually sufficient; this will help prevent premature aging of your shingles caused by sun exposure and weather damage.
Unclog the Gutters
If you're going to be doing any roof cleaning, it's important that your gutters are in good shape. Before you can do any maintenance, first ensure that the gutters can hold rainwater. After each rainfall, check that the gutters are still able to carry water by looking for leaks around the gutter and downspout connections. If you find leaks or clogs in your gutters, use a gutter rake to clear out debris from both roofs and the back sides of the gutters before proceeding with additional maintenance steps.
Limit Moss and Algae Growth
One of the most common problems that occur with asphalt shingle roofs is moss and algae growth. Moss and algae can cause leaks in your roof, so it's important to make sure to minimize the amount of moss and algae growing there.
Clean Any Debris
Clean any debris from your roof as soon as possible. Debris includes leaves, twigs, branches, and even bird droppings. The longer you wait to clean up any debris on your roof, the harder it will be to remove it later. You can use a broom or leaf blower to remove leaves that are still clinging to trees and shrubs around your home.
An asphalt shingle roof that is well maintained will last a long time, but it can also be costly to replace. By following these tips, you can keep your roof in good shape and save yourself some money in the process.
Braswell Construction Group is an award-winning roofing company that provides residential and commercial roofing and restoration services in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina. Our team of experienced professionals will help ensure that your roof is in tip-top condition all year long. Contact us today for a free consultation call!