Aside from the four exterior walls, the roof is the most essential part of your house, which means that it’s critical that you look after it in every way you can. There are numerous different things you can do to protect your roof, and methods you can implement, like regular Penrith roof repairs, to help with maintenance to ensure its longevity. From the best types of roofing to use as well as a few key tips, here is how to protect your roof from damage and decay.
Match Your Roof Type With Your Environment
There is a plethora of types of roofing material you can use to best suit the unique environmental situation where you live. You want to first make sure that the roof is well equipped to deal with the seasonal weather conditions that has potential to cause damage. For example, slate roofing is pretty strong and can withstand high winds, however it is very brittle and may crack under hail. Metal roofing is great for both hot and cold environments and can withstand rain and snow really well, but again can dent easily under heavy hail. It’s important to take into account the different types of weather you get in your area to ensure you have the best and most reliable type of roofing material to deal with whatever the elements throw at you.
It’s also important to consider the unique shape of your roof, as that can have an effect on its durability as well. There are various shapes you can get, such as pointed roofs which are great for rainwater and snow, and flat roofs, which are cheaper to install and quick to set up too, but is more prone to water damage as water can sit atop it for longer without draining away. If this happens, it’s important to get someone in who can provide flat roof repair, as this water can cause rot and leaks for the future, which is something no homeowner wants.
Check Your Roof Regularly
It’s vital to keep a close eye on your roof and check up on its health twice a year at least. However, be sure to check more if you live in particularly wet and windy parts of the country. When checking your roof, be mindful of tiles or pieces of slate shingles that have fallen off or slipped, or tiles that may have cracked, as this can expose the lining and if that’s damaged, could cause leaks getting into the house. Also look at the color of the roof tiles, as sometimes pieces can get burnt and damaged by the sun, discoloring them and making them look less appealing. Be on the lookout for mold, moss and other grime too, as this can also stain your roof.
When checking roofs also be sure to tend to the gutters and empty them of gunk and leaves at least twice a year to ensure they’re not blocked. It’s a bit of a messy job, but if they are not tended to it could prevent rainwater from draining properly and this could seep into walls and ceilings and cause leaks and rot in the support beams which could jeopardize the structural integrity of the entire property.