Buying your first home is undoubtedly an exciting (if not a tad stressful) milestone in life. While it’s empowering to have a place to call your own, it’s also eye-opening to realize that if and when anything goes wrong, there’s no landlord for you to call to fix it up. While there’s a virtually limitless number of resources to educate yourself on all facets of home upkeep, we’re here to give you a few tips and tricks for one element of your home in particular — your roof. As a leading provider of roof replacement near Bucks County, the experts at C.R. Thompson have put together a preventative maintenance checklist of things you can do periodically to increase your roof’s longevity and save some money in the process.

Initial Roof Inspection

While several roofing resources may encourage homeowners to have their roof inspected a few times a year, as a new homeowner, you’ll want to do it more frequently. If your bank or insurance company hasn’t required a professional inspection before mortgage approval or coverage, this is something you should take care of right away. Before you pull out your toolbag, visually inspect it instead. Keep your eyes peeled for these areas of concern:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Curled/buckled shingles
• Bare spots on asphalt
• Cracked caulking
• Rusty flashing
• Large mossy areas
• Peeling paint on roof overhangs

If any of these unpleasant conditions apply to your home, it could indicate serious problems. Consider hiring a professional roofing company to conduct a thorough examination.

The New Homeowner’s Roof Preventative Maintenance Checklist

In addition to exterior inspections, stay on top of these regular maintenance tasks to extend your roof’s lifespan:

Clean Out Gutters Regularly

Your gutters are integral in keeping your roof dry. If your gutters are clogged for an extended period, water can pool on your roof, causing it or its fascia to rot. Consider adding gutter guards if debris builds up frequently. Also, loose gravel from asphalt shingles could signify severe wear and that you need a roof replacement.

Trim Your Trees to Lower Damage Risk

Trim overhanging branches to prevent shingle damage, holes in your roof, and algae build-up.

Replace Damaged or Missing Shingles

Any gaps in your roofing can permit moisture to build up, which results in leaks and rotting. Contact a professional to replace worn or missing shingles as soon as possible. The same principle goes for tile roofs, where there are loose, missing, or damaged tiles.

Reseal Vents and Pipes

Openings like your chimney, vents, pipes, and skylights make your roof vulnerable. Make sure these components are sealed with the proper flashing, caulking, or roofing tar to close gaps and reduce moisture infiltration.

Check for Interior Damage

Check inside your attic for leaks, water stains, wet insulation, structural damage, or mold.

Insulate Your Attic

In addition to cutting down on utility bills, maintaining an adequate amount of attic insulation will extend the life of your roof as it reduces heat transfer and protects the roof rafters from severe expansion and contraction.

For more information about how a professional can help you stay proactive, or to inquire about new roof shingles near Bucks County, PA, contact C.R. Thompson Roofing today!