Your roof is one of the most prominent design features of your home, it stands proudly protecting the structure and should be seen as the first layer of protection from the elements. Keeping your roof in tip-top condition will be important for the longevity of your home as well as your peace of mind. This article shares four key ways your roof protects your home and provides simple tips or solutions to ensure that these functions are ensured and maintained.
Weather and waterproofing
Based on where you live, your roof will need to protect your home from excessive wind, rain, hail, ice, and snow. Homeowners need to know the predominant weather in their locale before remodeling or changing a roof structure. The mineral coating on shingles wears away over time, leaving the roof exposed to UV rays and water. The causes the roof to weaken, shortening its lifespan. Frequent high winds will require a roof with increased fixings for stability and heavy enough to combat dangerous winds and storms.
The solution is to inspect the roof from time to time, ensuring that all joints are sealed, shingles are coated with reflective mineral granules to allow for cooling in summer, and a barrier against water.
Heat retention
In colder areas like the northeast of the country, keeping the heat in over long winters can be the main rationale for a good roof. This is done with insulation, which many do not consider to be part of the roof. The outer skin of the roof is just but one component of what is essentially several layers of protection depending on where you live and the nature of protection you need.
The best roofing company in Michigan advises using the correct insulation for your roof design. There are several options for insulation, and the bottom line is to ensure that your roof will retain heat in winter.
Ventilation
For many, this seems somewhat confusing, as sealing the roof is what was regarded as a primary maintenance function, this is true, and the ventilation requires will be through the roof vents, louvers, dormer vents, and exhaust fans. These serve to remove moisture in winter and heat in summer.
Have the vents checked, and if not working correctly, repair or even have some retrofitted. Ensure that they complement the roof design and are chosen with the weather in mind.
Roof debris
Roof debris can cause a lot of damage to the home and can, if not cleared through an efficiently and effectively working draining and gutter system. The gutter system is essentially a component of the roof. The roof itself serves to drain and direct water into a gutter and downpipe that carries debris and clears and cleans the roof.
Occasional maintenance and cleaning may be required to ensure that this system works as it should. Clearing gutters and unblocking downpipes and drainage systems will protect your roof.
The roof is much more than an aesthetic feature of your home. It serves an important function and, if working well, will save you money and inconvenience.