6 Secret Tips to Keep Your Roof in Fantastic Shape

1. Make Sure Your Attic Ventilation Is Working Properly 

While most homeowners are only concerned about how their roofs look from the outside, the condition of your attic matters too. Optimal attic ventilation helps to keep the temperature right, minimize moisture, and make sure the roof doesn’t get damaged from the inside. 

Furthermore, having proper air circulation in the attic can make your roof last longer, reduce your energy bills, and minimize the chances of mold growth. That’s why make sure to add special vents near the roof’s peak, or in the eaves, or even put in fans that help the air move. This is a little-known secret to keep your roof in pristine condition for years to come.

2. Invest in a Water Resistance (SWR) Barrier for Extra Water Protection

This is a useful roofing trick that not many know about. A second layer of water resistance, also called a SWR barrier, can help you keep almost all water-related roofing problems at bay. Made of a special sticky water-resistant material, this extra layer goes under the main roofing. It’s like an extra shield to stop water from sneaking in, especially in places like valleys, edges, and roofing protrusions. This second water barrier makes you feel even safer and keeps your home well-protected when heavy weather strikes.

3. Perform Roof Inspections throughout the Seasons

Checking your roof regularly, at least once a year is important. But most homeowners forget about doing it after major weather events such as heavy rains or winter storms. Checking your roof after such weather events can help you catch and fix problems quickly before they get worse. Watch out for shingles that might be loose or broken, deteriorating coverings, and clogged gutters. If you find problems early and fix them on time, you can avoid spending a lot on expensive repairs or replacements later.

4. Look for Flashing Damage

Flashing is generally made from a thin sheet of metal or other durable materials. It seals the gaps and corners on your roof, like around vents, skylights, and chimneys, vents. High-quality flashing makes sure water can’t get in and cause any damage to your home. So, make sure to check the flashing as often as you can to see if it’s getting damaged, cracked, or leaving gaps. Changing your old flashing and applying new sealing can help your roof stay strong and stop water infiltration.

5. Prevent Moss and Algae on Your Roof

A lot of people must deal with algae and moss problems on their roofs, especially in shaded and moist areas. Apart from ruining the aesthetic appeal of your roof, this unwanted microbial growth can also weaken your roof because it retains water and can cause roof leaks and structural issues. An effective way to tackle this is to clean your roof and take care of it regularly. Another option is to put special metal strips on the top part of your roof. When it rains, these strips can protect your roof from moss and algae. 

6. Prevent Ice Dams:

In colder climates, ice dam formation on roofs can be a serious issue. They usually form when snow melts, and then freezes again at the edge of the roof. As a result, the water goes under the roof tiles and causes leaks and damage. To avoid this problem, make sure your attic is properly insulated and gets enough air. You can also add a special layer called ice and water shield near the roof’s edge to keep water out.

In Conclusion: 

By using these lesser-known tips, you can make your roof work better and last longer. From taking care of your attic’s ventilation to adding extra protection against water, and inspecting your roof regularly, fixing flashing problems, dealing with algae and moss, and preventing ice dams – these ideas will help you keep your roof in good shape for years and years. 

For more information, contact Camden Roofing & Construction, LLC in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC at 919-729-5050.