How to Make the Roof of Your Candlewood Lake Home Last Longer
Taking the time to maintain
and care for the roof of your Candlewood Lake property decreases the risk of
replacing the roof prematurely, which is very expensive.
Whether your roof is new or
several years old, here are some tips on how to prolong it and make it last as
long as possible:
1. Clean the gutters.
Clogged gutters not only
cause a wet basement and damaged paint on the siding, but can also be a cause
for a rotten roof. Water can move upward under the shingles when leaves pile
too deeply and clog the gutters, which may cause the roof to rot. Make sure to
clean your gutters regularly and remove leaves that have piled up. You can
either do it yourself or hire a professional to do it.
2. Get Rid of Moss
If you find moss growing on
your roof, especially on wood or composition shingles, make sure to remove it
since moss traps water. Cleaning the roof with products made of potassium salts
of fatty acids rather than toxic formulas like zinc sulfate is highly
recommended. Once your roof is clear of moss, you can invest in zinc strips to
keep the moss from coming back. A professional roofer can install zinc strips
near the top of the roof for about $300. This method is advisable to owners of
Candlewood Lake homes rather than treating the roof with pesticide. The run off
can harm the aquatic life in Candlewood Lake.
3. Trim Overhanging Branches
Trim your trees and
overhanging branches to keep leaves and moss off your roof and avoid abrasion
from limbs and branches that can damage shingles. Branches should be 10 feet
away from your roof if you want to keep rodents and pests away to prevent them
from gnawing on your roof and siding.
4. Prevent Ice Dams
If ice builds up on your
roof, remove the snow between storms to avoid leaks in your home. Don’t attempt
to remove ice that has already formed, since it can cause more damage to your
roof. Use a roof rake to remove snow within 3 to 4 feet of the gutters.
These are some tips on how
you can maintain the roof of your Candlewood Lake home to make it last as long
as possible.