Tips For Improving Your Roof

Summer is here and it is time to check what debris has collected on your roof during the dreary months of winter. Here is a brief guide to what you should check, how you should clean and some important safety tips for when you are on your roof.

What Can Go Wrong?

There are many things that can accumulate on the roof. Here is a list of all the things that you should look for:

• Gutters - This is the first thing that needs to be checked. The gutters are responsible for draining water off the roof. If these get clogged, the water will run along the walls and damage may occur -- both esthetic and structural. So make sure that the gutters are all clear of any debris, dirt, leaves, etc. The gutters can be cleaned with a hard brush and trowel.
• Downspouts - From the gutters, the downspouts bring the water to the ground level. Make sure that these are also free of any clogging. This can be ensured by flushing them with a garden hose.
• Roof Surface - There can be debris also on the roof itself. If left on the roof, this debris can collect water and thereby result in decay and damage to your roof. Sweeping the roof with a brush can eliminate this problem.
• Shingles and Shakes - The spaces (keyways) in between individual shingles and shakes also need to be checked for any debris. This should also be removed. But care needs to be taken while doing this not to damage the shingles or shakes.
• Roof Ventilation - On your roof are some pipes and vents etc. These ensure the proper ventilation of the attic and other spaces of the house. These are extremely important for the "well-being" of the house -- see these as the breathing holes of your house. So you must ensure that these breathing points are also free of any debris accumulation.

Moss and Mildew Control

Another problem that you can encounter while inspecting your roof is moss and mildew. Some common methods of controlling these are as below:

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