Paying for a new roof may mean a substantial financial investment. While you may ultimately need to replace your roof after a number of years, proper care can help your roof last a long time. Here are a few things to monitor regularly so that your roof lasts a long time.

Gutters

If you are like many homeowners, you may not pay very much attention to your gutters unless they are loose and you notice water spilling down on the side of your home. However, monitoring your gutters and downspouts regularly is necessary. Gutters that are clogged with dead leaves, twigs and other debris can cause water to pool. As a result, the edges of your roof may become damaged and water may seep into your home.

Be sure to check your gutters to ensure they are clear. You may wish to do this after storms, as high winds and heavy rainfall can cause leaves to go flying and branches to break off and end up in the gutters surrounding your roof.

Metal Flashing

Your chimney is likely to be surrounded by metal strips, also called metal flashing. The flashing is screwed into place around the edges of your chimney to ensure that water is not able to seep into your home. However, over time, the flashing may become loose and need to be tightened so you can continue to keep water out of the house. If the flashing has become loose, it is also a good idea to ensure that the moisture in between the flashing and the roof itself has not led to the growth of mold.

Signs of Mold and Algae

You need to keep an eye on any discolorations that appear on your roof. Black streaks can indicate algae that has begun to grow on the shingles, and you may notice greenish blotches that might be mold. Mold and algae can ruin roofing shingles, so it is important to notice a problem right away so that you can have the damaged shingles removed and stop the algae and mold from spreading. You may choose to use commercial anti-mold or anti-algae products to kill them first, and then seek out replacement shingles.

Now that you have some things to focus on to ensure that your roof stays in good shape, make sure to use the information in this article to help you. You may want to consider consulting roofers, like those at VK Roofing, who can assess the current condition of your roof and to make any necessary minor repairs.

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