Top Tips For Roof Maintenance in Colorado
In Ft. Collins and throughout Colorado, numerous factors can impact the condition of your roof. From different weather conditions throughout the year to trees on your property and even local critters, your roof could become damaged for all sorts of reasons. But, with proper roof maintenance, you can preserve the lifespan of your roof and minimize your Ft. Collins roof repair needs.
This article will cover our top tips for Colorado roof maintenance. Your roof is an investment in your home and is worth the care that it takes to maintain it.
Tree Maintenance
Trees add beauty to your property and landscaping. But, if tree branches extend too close to your roof, damage could ensue. Types of possible tree damage to your roof include:
Scratches due to overhanging branches
Punctures or dents due to fallen branches
Accumulated tree debris, which can trap moisture in your roof and lead to mold and deterioration
To prevent tree damage to your Fort Collins roof, be sure to keep the branches of trees on your property trimmed. There shouldn’t be any branches long enough to reach the surface of your roof, and no branches should hang over your roof. If overhanging branches snap in high winds or a storm, they could leave a serious mark on your roofing system. A fallen branch can even lead to a roof leak if it leaves a deep puncture.
Fallen trees, while less common than fallen branches, also pose a major risk to your roofing system. When trees get old and die, they’re at risk of falling. If a tree falls onto your roof, you may be facing a full roof replacement, along with other major home repairs. To avoid this large issue, make sure to have dead trees cut down by a professional. Also, keep an eye on aging trees that aren’t on your property, but would hit your home if they fall. These trees are your neighbor’s responsibility, but still need to be taken care of to avoid severe damages to your home.
Gutter Cleaning
Keeping your gutter system clean is an essential component of roof maintenance in Colorado. Gutters are essential to the condition of your home, given that they control the drainage of water due to rain, hail, and snow. Water needs to drain properly off of your roof to avoid water damage to your home’s roof, siding, and foundation.
Clogged gutters can even lead to roof leaks. When a gutter system is clogged with debris, (such as leaves, twigs, dirt, etc.), it prevents water from draining properly off of your roof. Instead, the water remains stationary in the trough of the gutter. In this situation, the sitting water is up against the roofing materials. Prolonged exposure to moisture will cause your roofing materials to deteriorate and rot much more quickly than they otherwise would. Once the structure of your roof is weakened from the accumulated water, the water can start to leak into your home. Roof leaks can cause water damage throughout your home and require extensive repairs. So, it’s essential to ensure that your gutters remain clean throughout the year.
Routine Roof Inspections
Sometimes, problems may occur in your roofing system but won’t be apparent to the untrained eye. To catch these roofing problems early on and avoid major repairs to your roof, schedule a roof inspection with your Ft. Collins roofing team at least once per year. Completing a roof inspection in the autumn is especially beneficial, as it will ensure that your roof has the strength to withstand the winter season here in Colorado.
After major storms, (especially hailstorms), it’s also wise to schedule a roof inspection to check for damage. Dents, punctures, and other types of damage can often impact roofs after major storms - the best way to know whether or not you need repairs is to have an expert inspect your roof.
During a roof inspection, your inspector will check every aspect of your roof, including the soffit, roofing materials, fascia, gutters, planes, and chimneys, as well as your attic and interior walls. The inspector will check for signs of damage, whether due to water, impact, or simple wear and tear.
Roof maintenance will help keep your roof in excellent condition for many years to come. Contact Wood Street Builders to schedule a roof inspection today.