Why Proper Drainage and Cleaning is Important For Your Roof

It’s important to take proper care of your roof. This includes cleaning and inspecting your roof on a regular basis. No matter what type of roofing material you choose, debris buildup can be a terrible problem for your roof. 

For instance, on a flat roof, water can pond and build up and cause damage to your roof just from the sheer weight or even cause mold and mildew if your roof is improperly sealed. There are a number of issues that can be caused by water and debris buildup that can often go unnoticed, especially if roof maintenance is not a priority. 

We’ll break down some issues that can occur and how best to deal with them to keep your roof in great shape for the life of your home. 

 

Proper Angling and Gutters Can Save Your Roof 

 

As we mentioned above, the slope of your roof matters when trying to keep it clean and debris-free. A flat roof doesn’t drain easily, but a steep roof is difficult to work on in the event of damage is even more difficult to clean. 

Additionally, roofs with multiple eaves and angles can trap pockets of water and debris that can build up and cause rot, mold, mildew, and other damage. The first thing to do to protect your roof is install gutters along the edges of your roof to catch debris and water and funnel it away from your roof. 

Having your roof inspected and then altered to improve the drainage can save thousands in repair costs. A roofing company can improve the shape and angle of your roof to allow it to drain better. 

 

Clean Off Your Roof and Inspect Your Ventilation 

 

Cleaning your gutters helps improve drainage, but that’s not all you need to worry about. One thing that should be done regularly is the roof should be swept clean of debris so that it doesn’t build up. Debris like leaves, tree limbs, pine straw, and other material causes mold and mildew as well as can rot shingles and wood beneath your roof. 

Pests and birds can also make a home on your roof that can cause damage. If sweeping and cleaning your roof doesn’t sound like a job you want to handle, then it’s a good idea to hire a professional. 

Another thing to look out for is debris blocking ventilation points on your roof. This can not only cause damage to your roof. It can be dangerous. Particularly the vents for your stove, heat source or chimney, and other items need to be able to vent properly to prevent harmful gases from building up and potentially causing a fire or other concerns. 

 

McDonough Roofing Can Keep Your Roof in Tip-Top Safe

 

If you’re concerned about the shape of your roof or want to have an inspection done to see how your roof is working, contact McDonough Roofing today, and we’ll provide a roof inspection and help you figure out how to improve the function and longevity of your roof.