Roofs are often out of sight, but they should not be out of mind. Professional roof maintenance and gutter cleaning Westerville, Ohio can help protect your home from the elements and keep your property value high. However, because roofs are considerably less accessible to the everyday homeowner, people tend to forget about them until something goes wrong. If a roof is not properly maintained, it can deteriorate quickly and lead to expensive repairs.

Five signs that your roof needs attention

• If the roof of the house appears to be sagging in the middle, it is a sure sign that it is damaged and requires repair. This is a particular concern for older roofs that are made of different materials that may have deteriorated over time. This problem is often accompanied by patches of moisture or mold on the ceiling due to water leaking through the damaged roof.
• Patches or discoloration of the shingles may indicate that the roof is leaking and water is getting into the interior. This can be a big problem if it is allowed to continue unchecked because it can cause damage to the walls and the interior of the house. If you notice this or other signs of leaks, take immediate action to address the problem.
• If you notice frost or ice buildup on your roof during the winter, then there is a problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. The accumulation of ice and snow can cause serious damage by adding immense weight on top of your roof. This is especially problematic if the snow melts and refreezes, putting additional pressure on the roofing materials.
• Should your electricity bill increase recently for no apparent reason, there may be a leak in your roof that is causing the extra energy use. Leaky roofs allow cold air to penetrate the house in the winter and heat to escape in the summer, which can result in higher utility bills as your heater and air conditioning struggle to keep up. It is important to check to find the source of the leak and fix it.
• Finally, if you notice dead leaves and other debris collecting on the roof, this can indicate that the gutters are not functioning properly. Clogged gutters can overflow and cause water to leak into the house, which can cause severe damage to the walls and interior. In the winter, it can also result in the formation of ice dams that can damage the roof even further.

Four ways to maintain your roof

• The best way to ensure that your roof stays in good condition is to have inspections done once a year. A roof inspection will usually include a comprehensive assessment of your entire roof system as well as any additional components such as the gutters and the siding. This will identify any potential problem areas and ensure that any damage is addressed before it becomes serious. Because it can be dangerous to climb up onto the roof on your own, you should hire a professional company to perform these inspections. Furthermore, contractors have special equipment that allows them to do the job more safely and thoroughly.
• Make sure that you always keep your gutters clean and free of debris. Damaged and clogged gutters can cause water to leak onto your roof and lead to extensive damage in your home over time. You can perform a quick visual inspection of your gutters after each storm to ensure they are working properly. Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year—once in spring to get rid of the seeds and flowers shed by trees; once in fall to prevent ice damage over the coming winter. You can use a gutter-cleaning attachment for your garden hose or hire a professional gutter cleaning company.
• A good way to protect your roof from the damage caused by harsh weather such as heavy snowfall and strong winds is to install snow guards on your roof. Snow guards will prevent the snow from piling up on your roof, subsequently melting, and causing damage to your shingles. They can also prevent damage from the ice that forms as temperatures drop below freezing during the winter. There are many different types of snow guards available on the market. Consult with a professional roofing company or your local hardware store to find one that is best for your home.
• While inspecting your roof, you should also check that your chimney is secure, clean, and in good working condition. If you have a fireplace or wood stove in your home, your chimney must be free of cracks or damaged bricks that could allow smoke and fumes to leak into your home. You should also make sure that the smokestack is attached firmly. A loose smokestack can allow embers from the fire to escape and start a fire on the roof. If you discover that your chimney needs to be repaired or replaced, contact a professional contractor.

Many homeowners try to maintain their roofs themselves, but you must have a certain degree of roofing expertise to inspect and repair your roof safely and effectively. Therefore, it is best to leave it to the experts. Give you and your family peace of mind by ensuring that your roof is in the best possible condition.