Your roof is a major investment and you need it to hold up strongly for as long as possible. By being proactive about maintenance, you can help to maximize your roof’s lifespan, while minimizing the risk of a water leak. Regular roof maintenance will also improve your home’s curb appeal. At Houston Roofing & Gutters, our local roofers are experts at conducting roof maintenance in the greater Houston area. Here’s a look at five important types of roof maintenance.

Clean Out Gutters

As gutters become clogged up, water is liable to spill over onto roofing components, where rot could become a problem. Gutters should be cleaned out at least twice per year, especially after trees drop their leaves in the fall. By trimming tree branches away from your rooftop, you can reduce the amount of organic debris that gets into your gutters.

Remove Moss/Algae

By eliminating moss and algae, you’ll help to preserve your roof’s structural integrity, while also improving your home’s aesthetic appeal. You may be able to remove moss by simply using a garden hose to rinse it away, but some gentle hand-scraping can be helpful with getting it loose. Because pressure-washing can potentially damage shingle grit, it’s generally best to avoid going this route. Also, at the hardware store you can find commercial moss removal products that are often effective.

Seal Up any Potential Nesting Sites

Various types of wildlife are attracted to roof eaves as nesting sites. Because these critters can cause damage to roofing components, it’s a good idea to seal up potential nesting sites as a way to deter them.

Skylight Inspection

Because the metal stripping on skylights is a common source of roof leaks, it’s a good idea to periodically inspect it.

Comprehensive Visual Inspection

When you get professional roof maintenance, the roofer can look over all roofing aspects to make sure there aren’t any issues that require repair, such as shingle damage.