As much as there is to love about living in Tampa’s idyllic climate, the winter storms can be fierce and can wreak havoc on your home. When the downpour comes to town, it’s the top of your house that’s going to take the brunt of the weather’s wrath.
Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your lifetime, so you obviously want to take care of it, especially your roof, which can wind up costing you fistfuls of money if it’s not maintained properly.
The good news is that a little preventative care can go a long way when preserving your Tampa roof.
1. Check for Damaged Shingles on Your Tampa Roof
It’s natural for there to be wear and tear on your roof over time. Your shingles never get a break from the elements and can deteriorate, or even go missing. This is particularly common after a major storm.
Luckily, if you stay on top of things, it’s easy to nip this problem in the bud before it becomes a catastrophe. Regularly getting up on your roof to detect early damage can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
2. Be Mindful of Nearby Trees
One of the most important and overlooked keys to roof maintenance is to make sure that surrounding tree branches are regularly trimmed. Not only can the friction from the branches cause damage to your roof, but after the rain hits, your roof won’t be able to dry out as fast if it’s sheltered by the leaves and branches.
This can lead to further problems like mold, water damage, and a leaky roof. Of course, it’s also prudent to be mindful of large trees too close that have the potential to do significant damage to your home if blown over. In these cases, it’s probably time to call the tree removal company.
3. Consistently Clean Your Gutters
Staying on top of your gutters is one of the most thoughtful things you can do to keep a healthy roof. When your gutters get clogged up with dead leaves and other debris, it creates moisture buildup that can quickly compromise the structure and lead to extensive water damage.
An air hose works great to quickly blast away all of the unwanted waste. If you don’t have an air hose you can easily do it the old-fashioned way by removing the grime by hand.
4. Pressure Wash Your Shingles
This isn’t something everyone does, but it’s something that they should. Pressure washing breathes new life into your roof by removing any buildup of moss and algae.
Left unchecked, algae can eat away at your shingles and create holes and water damage. You’ll also be able to scope out any other concerns by getting up there and hosing down the house once in a while.
5. Inspect Your Chimney
One of the most common places for damage can occur around your chimney and vents. If the flashing is damaged around these parts, it will quickly lead to water leakage entering your home.
If you only do this once per year, the best time to do it is early spring as they could have taken a beating over the winter months through rain and wind.
6. Check Your Attic for Leaks
We know attics are scary, but what is even scarier is the undetected mold and water damage that can occur if we don’t get up there every now and then.
Even if your roof looks great from the outside, it’s still possible for leaks to occur. Even a small leak can lead to major problems if left for too long.
7. Remove Debris and Branches
Whether this is done with a pressure washer, a maintenance worker, or with your own elbow grease, it’s vital to keep rot and debris clear of your roof. Not only is it unsightly, but it can cause major stress to your structure.
Furthermore, sunlight won’t be able to reach the areas underneath the debris which will lead to dampness, mold, and deterioration of your shingles.
8. Get Routine Inspections
For peace of mind, as well as future savings, it’s never a bad idea to get a roof inspection. This is especially true if it’s in the latter stages of its life.
While preventative maintenance can go a long way, everything has a shelf life and will sometimes need to be replaced. In times like these, you’ll want to call a reputable Tampa roofing contractor like https://proformanceroofs.com/locations/tampa-fl-roofing-contractors/.
9. Check the Edges
The edges of your roof need loving too. Oftentimes, this is the area that is most susceptible to damage due to the way the water runs down your shingles.
Naturally, the water drips off the edge of your roof, so if there is anything impeding it, it can pool and cause damage and leakage. You’ll usually be able to patch up any holes yourself if they are caught early enough.
10. Look Out for Pests
Living in Florida, you’re probably no stranger to unwanted pests. Hiring a pest inspector to come by every once in a while is a great way to make sure these critters don’t take up residence above your head.
Installing vent covers is also a great idea to make sure the pests stay out of your house.
A Little Goes a Long Way
When it comes to taking care of your Tampa roof, a little goes a long way. It doesn’t take much effort to do the little things that can result in big savings.
Much like you do small things to keep your body healthy like brushing your teeth or bathing, the same kind of upkeep on your roof will make sure it remains healthy as well.
