All household construction can become expensive, but the cost of installing or repairing a roof frequently tops the expense charts. Figures collated by NBC estimate that the average roof cost is over $7,000, making it a major household expenditure. Sometimes, it’s necessary to go the whole hog and install a new roof – however, many homeowners could be saving time and money by simply taking better care of the one they have. By always respecting what your roof needs to be effective and conducting regular maintenance, you can add years to its lifespan and prevent problems. There are, as always, great ways to go about this that will safeguard every aspect of your roof’s health.

Cleaning away the gunk

As the protector of your house, the roof will obviously take a lot of punishment from outside forces. Apart from the physical and chemical processes of rain and wind against the materials on your roof, you also need to consider the impact of ecological impacts. Algae and bacteria can easily build up in pockets on the roof, and especially so near high activity areas such as guttering and other runoff zones, such as smaller sections of the roof above extensions and the like.

As simple organisms, it can be easy to ignore the effects of these biological organisms on your roof – it’s sturdy, made from wood, slate and tiles, after all. However, research has shown that algae can have a severely detrimental impact on the lifespan of your roof, and can even increase energy bills. Over time, algae will build up and reflect sunlight, making your home naturally less warm. Essentially, algae will have a broad range of effects that are negative for the integrity of your home. It’s wise to invest in good quality cleaning for your roof on a regular basis. This will negate the need for harsher, specialist work, and will keep your home in great working order before these creatures have the opportunity to set in.

Checking local conditions

Your roof will have been installed, most likely, with a particular type of rock and with mortar filling in the gaps. Using classic materials like slate will mean easy resistance to the elements and any changes they undergo under the years, but not every roof is constructed so well, and many will still have weak points. Over years, mortar can be degraded according to it’s chemical composition. A more heavily acidic rain will easily break down any mortar made with a limestone component, for instance, and many buildings will use limestone mortar with great frequency.

Having an assessment done with this regard consists of three parts. Firstly, look at weather predictions and trends for the local area, and research whether there has been any tending towards more acidic rain – even if only lightly. Areas with heavy industry will often find higher levels. Second, have a specialist service look and see if cleaning can be done to minimize the load on your home’s weak areas. Finally, if so required, have work done to re mediate the issue and keep your roof safe against the chemical element the weather brings.

Preparing for extreme weather

Extreme weather events are on the rise, regardless of the reasons why. USA Today reports that there is now a 75% increased chance of extreme events, whether hot or cold, occurring in any place in the USA. With these events comes devastating consequences, and homeowners should be looking for ways they can actively mitigate this risk and prevent it from becoming a big issue. Active management of your home’s cleanliness and overall maintenance is a key part of this.

The roof bears the brunt of weather and should be the first thing you look at in this regard. Firstly, look from the inside out. If you get the opportunity, cleaning your ceiling thoroughly will give you the opportunity to see the first signs of any issues like damp, rot, or mold. You should also get out on the roof, or hire someone to do so, and look for issues. There are advisory notices available from government agencies that can provide inspiration for dealing with potential weather events, and on how to reinforce and secure your roof, whether that be through shuttering or through a change in materials.

The lid of your home, your roof is the most important part of the structure when it comes to creating a safe and cozy environment. It can be easy to forget about it, but history shows it’s of crucial importance to keep an eye on your roof and its health. As weather becomes more extreme and difficult to deal with, it will be of ever increasing importance to keep on top of your roof’s maintenance and upkeep and ensure that it has the tools it needs to face the future.