A roof is an essential and integral part of any house. Roofs are quite sturdy and specifically designed to provide protection from harsh weather. As you know, Minnesota weather can involve heavy rainfall, strong winds, and/or hailstorms, which can lead to roof damages. If you want your roof to remain sturdy and strong for a long period of time, then get it inspected and well-maintained at regular intervals.
Here are some tips to help protect your roof from severe weather…
#1 Maintain A Clean Roof By Removing All Debris
You (or a professional) can climb up on the roof and try to remove dry debris with the help of a blower. A blower will remove the dried leaves, broken tree branches, and dust. Then, use a water hose and cleaning solution to remove wet debris.
#2 Keep The Roof Gutters Clean
Gutters are one of the most functional parts of the roof. They collect all the water and then direct it down the downspouts. But what if the gutters are not cleaned? The debris in the gutter will clog the water and not let it flow freely. If the clogged water remains stagnant for a long time, it could start seeping into the house and cause damages to the walls and ceiling. It’s important to clean your gutters every couple months.
#3 Eliminate Mold And Mildew From The Roof Surface
The presence of mold and mildew on the surface of the roof is a sign of trapped moisture or water. Moss and mildew grow in damp areas– within a short period of time their growth can become widespread. So, while inspecting the roof and gutters, if you observe the growth of moss and mildew, remove it by using a proper cleaning solution.
You can get suggestions from experts as to what safe and effective treatment solution can be used to remove moss and mildew from the roof. After the treatment, make sure the roof is completely dried out and there are no remaining damp areas.
#4 Regular Upgrades/Replacements Of The Shingles
Shingles have a specific service life, and, after that, the weather can damage them. They either curl up, develop cracks, or get blisters/bubbles inside them. When this happens, it’s a sign that the shingles are no longer efficient in protecting the house. Therefore, damaged/bad shingles should be replaced. If there are missing shingles, the roof is exposed to harsh weather conditions and will likely experience damage.
#5 Inspect The Flashing, Piping, And Skylights
While inspecting the roof, do not ignore the areas around flashing, protruding pipes, and skylights. If you observe any damages (holes or cracks), get the areas resealed before water starts leaking into your house.
Summary
Bad weather happens in Minnesota, but most roofs can withstand the harshest of storms. That said, damages do happen and it’s important to maintain and/or repair your roof and its components. Ideally, you don’t want any water leaking into your house! If it has been a while since your roof has been professionally inspected, now’s the time to call SMC Construction of Spring Lake Park, MN, at 763-300-5519 to schedule a roof inspection and/or repairs.
