Your roof protects your home, but did you know that your roof also needs protection? Elements such as high winds, rain, snow, and extreme heat can do major damage to any roofing material. As a responsible homeowner who doesn't want to end up replacing a roof earlier than needed, there are certain steps you can take to keep your roof as strong and functional as possible. Here are ways to ensure roofing has protection in any season.

Schedule Inspections

Never underestimate the value of timely roofing inspections. In our team's experience, these inspections should happen at least once a year, but in some cases, you may need them more than that. According to Roofer's Guild, hail storms were expected to be the number one cause of roofing emergencies in 2023. Hail impacts can be especially devastating to asphalt shingles, which can often be knocked off of the roof and create vulnerable spaces when not attended to promptly. Even if you've already had your annual inspection, you may want an additional one after your home has suffered from inclement weather, such as a hurricane, hail storm, or heavy snow.

Keep Gutters Clean

Your gutters have a very important job that involves ushering water away from your roof and foundation. When your gutters aren't able to properly allow such water flow, an obstruction can create a backup, causing moisture damage on your roof. It can lead to cracks on your roofing surface, leading to water leaks and damaging the inside of your home. Make a note if any trees are too close to your gutters. When they're too close, it's easy for leaves and other debris to clog the gutters. If your gutters eventually become weighed down, they may begin to sag. When water is backed up in your gutters due to a lack of flow, rust and cracks can set in and cause the gutters to give way.

Install a New Roof

If your roof is aging or continuously needs costly repairs, having a new roof installed can end up saving you money. It will also ensure that your roof is strong and your home is protected. With a brand-new roof, you won't need to worry about the recurring issues you experienced with your previous roof. An experienced team will be able to listen to your concerns and come up with a plan that best suits your needs.

Prevent Ice Dams

Heavy snow can put some serious strain on your roof. While this is happening, ice dams may be forming, which can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles. Being blocked by the ice, water can leak into your home and damage walls, ceilings, insulation, attic, and more. It's crucial to prevent this issue by having even temperatures across the roof. Your chosen professionals will need to ensure that your attic is properly insulated. This will keep the ice dams from forming, protecting your home from serious damage. Ice dams can be disastrous in the winter, making it that much more important to ensure your home is protected.

Look Out for Signs of Leaks

You can also look out for your roof by observing things inside your home. Do you notice signs of leaks? You may notice dark stains that are wet to the touch on your walls or ceiling. Leaks from a roof happen due to vulnerability like cracks, holes, or poor insulation. By having experts handle the leaks as soon as possible, you can ensure your roof doesn't suffer further damage. If you wait too long, you may have to pay for a roof replacement sooner than expected.

Protecting your roof is worth it. After all, in our team's experience, your roof can last several decades with proper care and maintenance. Whether you have asphalt tiles or a metal roof, do your due diligence to find a company that can assist you in caring for your roof. When your roof is strong, the rest of your home is also strong and can avoid water damage, peeling paint, mold, cave-ins, and other things that can happen when you have a vulnerable roof. When you're looking for a reliable roofing company that can assist with storm damage repair, roof installations, inspections, and more, reach out to R&R Roofing LLC.