How To Make Your CT Roof Last Longer

Installing a new roof for your home is an investment that requires careful consideration. If you would like to avoid hefty decisions about installing a new roof, it’s best that you do all that you can to protect your current roof. Even if your roof is relatively new, regular maintenance can decrease your risk of having to replace the roof prematurely. In this post we will discuss a few tasks that you can do over the weekend to assist you in expanding the lifespan of your Connecticut roof.

Make Sure Your Roof Isn’t Covered In Moss

If you live in New England, it’s likely that you will find some moss growing on your CT roof, especially if your roof is more than 10+ years old. Wood shingles are particularly susceptible to moss growth. Thick moss spots on your roof can be dangerous as moss is known to trap water. Fortunately, you can sweep moss off easily if you notice it early in its growth process. However, if there is large amounts of moss buildup, you will need to look into products using potassium salts. If you are using moss-killing products, apply the soap to mossy areas, and make sure that the water runoff doesn’t go into the storm drain. Once the roof is clean, invest in zinc strips to keep the moss from growing back. It's more environmentally friendly and highly effective.

Prevent Ice Dams From Destroying Your Roof

It is absolutely essential that you work to remove snow between each storm, as these efforts can help to prevent roof leaks. If you can, invest in a roof rake, which you can use to dislodge snow from your gutters and roof edge. If you are removing snow from a ladder, try to work at an angle so that snow doesn’t fall directly on you. After all, nobody wants to get hurt removing snow. Improper insulation and air leaks can also heighten the risk of ice dams on your CT roof so address these issues when you get a chance as well.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

If you haven’t cleaned out your gutters since the Bush administration, your roof may be in for some trouble. If too many leaves accumulate in gutters, water can leak into the roof sheathing, which leads to wood rot. Damage caused by inefficient gutters can run into the thousands for repair, so it’s best that homeowners clean their gutters twice a year (usually it’s best to do so in fall and spring). Though gutter cleaning is a painfully boring DIY project, you can hire a professional, though it can cost up to $200 depending on the size of your house.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Trimming overhanging tree branches can do a lot to protect your home from leaves and moss. Long tree limbs and leaves that can touch your roof have the ability to severely damage shingles. Also, it offers the opportunity to give squirrels and other rodents access to the roof, where they can eat away at your roof and siding, so it's recommended that branches are at least 10 feet away from your home to keep pests away. A professional usually performs this job, so you should contact an expert beforehand.