Your home's roof performs the important but often overlooked function of protecting your family and household possessions against the vagaries of the weather. As a result, this part of your home seldom gets attention unless it shows obvious signs of damage or aging.

Undertaking routine roof maintenance will help you identify and correct problems that, if left unaddressed, could result in expensive roof repair bills. Regardless of the type of roof you have, don't wait for a leak before checking out your roof. Keep your roof in good shape by carrying out the following maintenance tasks from time to time. 

Roof inspection

The morning after a stormy night is when you may consider getting your residential roof inspected. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, roof damage can happen over time and not only following a severe storm. 

Your roof is made up of several materials that each plays a part in keeping the weather out. As your roof ages, these materials become worn out and may start to lose their ability to protect your home's interior environment from the outside elements.

Conducting regular roof inspections will help you monitor the health of your roof. It allows for early detection of problems so that remedial action can be taken before your roof has suffered serious damage. 

Some of the typical issues you're likely to discover during roof inspections include but are not limited to the following:

• Missing shingles
• Cracked, broken, or curled shingles 
• Missing flashing
• Rust 
• Mould, moss, and algae growth

If any of the above or other issues are identified when inspecting your roof, they should be addressed immediately. Taking prompt action helps to prevent an exacerbation of existing problems, which can drastically reduce the lifespan of your roof.

Roof cleaning

If you live in a rainy climate, you'd be forgiven for thinking that your roof doesn't need to be cleaned. While natural rainfall can make your roof sparkle by washing off the loose layer of dust and dirt that builds up on your roof over time, it must never substitute the need for a professional roof cleaning service.

The rain itself can create the perfect environment for mould, moss, algae and other microbial growths to occur on your roof. Plus, it can cause leaves and other debris to collect within your roof's gutters and downspouts, resulting in poor roof drainage.

Getting your entire roofing system, including the gutters and downpipes, cleaned by a professional on a regular basis will help to improve the appearance and kerb appeal of your home while preventing flooding issues and water damage to your home.

Roof maintenance is a job that requires expert handling to do correctly. The professionals at a roofing company near you are familiar with the maintenance requirements of each roof type and are able to help you take good care of your roof.