Replacing a roof is expensive, but a well-maintained roof can last decades. If you care for your roof properly, then the roof that you installed when you bought your house can last until long after your mortgage has been paid off. Roofing in Maine is vulnerable to some seasonal hazards; in fact, many of the things that make Maine so beautiful are quite rough on your roof. You don’t have to be an expert in roofing or in residential construction to appreciate that the work you put in now to maintain your roof can save you a lot of money in the long term. With roof maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and these are things you can do to ensure that your roof functions well for a long time.
Replace Sealant and Broken Shingles Now to Avoid Having to Replace Your Entire Roof
The good news is that it is possible to replace individual shingles without replacing the whole roof. The bad news is that damaged shingles can have a domino effect and destabilize your entire roof if you do not replace damaged or missing shingles promptly. The growth of algae, fungi, lichen, and moss can compromise the structural integrity of a shingle roof. If you are confident in your DIY abilities, you can replace some shingles on your own, but if the problem is severe or if climbing on the slippery, lichen-covered roof of your house is not your idea of a good time, you should hire a roofing contractor. The same goes for sealant. It is possible to replace it piecemeal if only certain areas are damaged.
Keep Your Gutters and Chimneys Clean
Have you ever gone to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned, only for him to tell you that you need to brush your tongue and take better care of your gums? Likewise, the structures adjacent to your roof can have an impact on the roof’s wellbeing. Clogged gutters can lead to water seeping underneath your roof and eroding it from the inside. Likewise, weaknesses in the mortar of your chimney are bad news for your roof. Inspect your chimney for areas where the mortar needs maintenance, and repair them promptly.
Beware of Rust, Overgrown Tree Branches, and Ice Dams
If your roof contains metal parts, they are vulnerable to rust, but painting the metal when it is new can protect it. If you find rust, remove it with a wire brush, and then paint over the intact metal. You should also trim tree branches that grow directly above your roof, since fallen leaves that accumulate on the roof will rot, and the rot will spread to the roof itself. Ice dams, picturesque as they are, divert water inside your roof, weakening its foundation. You should remove the ice before it has a chance to damage your roof.
To find out more about roof construction in Maine, contact Double J Construction in Portland, Maine.
