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Your roof is one of the most important components of your home, and also one of the most expensive to replace, so it pays to make it last as many years as possible. By practicing good preventative maintenance on your roof, you should be able to put off a roof replacement for years or even decades. Here are our favorite expert tips for taking great care of your roof and extending its lifespan:

Clean Out Your Gutters Twice a Year

Clean gutters protect your roof and the rest of your home from water damage by directing snowmelt and rain away from your home. If your gutters are clogged with dead leaves and debris, they can’t do their jobs properly and standing water may begin to form on your roof. This can lead to damaged shingles and rot, which can seriously shorten the lifespan of your roof. The best preventative approach is to schedule biannual gutter cleanings each fall and spring.

Regularly Inspect Your Roof

Inspecting your roof a couple of times a year can easily be combined with gutter cleaning, and can help you catch potential issues before they become much more serious and expensive to repair. Look for loose or missing shingles and have them repaired or replaced right away. Clean up any excessive leaves and dirt, as piles of leaves and debris can trap water and cause your roof to absorb excess moisture. To remove the leaves and other debris you can either use a leaf rake with an extra long handle designed specifically for roofs, or clean your roof with a blast of water from the hose.

Clear Away Snow

If you live in a region with cold, snowy winters, your roof needs a little extra care. Excess snow and ice can lead to roof leaks as well as damaging ice dams. Luckily, you can get rid of excess snow by using the same roof rake you use to clear away leaves to knock the piled up snow down to the ground.

Trim Limbs and Branches

All it takes is one low-hanging branch that breaks off in a storm to do serious damage to your roof. In addition, if branches get too close to your roof, squirrels and other rodents can easily climb onto your roof and wreak havoc. For these reasons it’s important to have a tree company periodically trim back limbs and branches.

A well-maintained roof should last for many years, and by following these tips you will help ensure this happens. For more helpful home tips as well as the latest Fluent Home news, be sure to subscribe for new blog updates. [:]