If you want your residential roof to last for a long time, then you'll want to check it regularly and have repairs done when you find damage, even if the damage is minor. Proper maintenance helps your roof survive years of sun exposure, wind, and temperature extremes. Here are some important steps involved in residential roof care and maintenance.

1. Repair Rusted Areas

Rust is bad for your roof since it eats through metal and makes holes that let rain leak through. If your home has a metal roof, you'll want to check it regularly for signs of rust. If you have an asphalt shingle or tile roof, you'll still need to check for rust on the flashing.

Flashing is the metal piece that goes around a vent pipe or your chimney, and it keeps water from rolling around a protrusion through the roof. If the flashing rusts, the rust should be removed or the flashing replaced to prevent leaking. Bad flashing is a common cause of roof leaks, so when you check your shingles or tiles for damage, be sure to check the flashing too.

2. Watch For Changes To The Shingles

It's natural for shingles to change somewhat as they age since they will gradually lose granules. However, if you notice bruises on the shingles or if the shingles look curled up on the ends, hire a roofer to take a look. Bruises can be caused by hail, and they can cause your roof to age faster and develop leaks. Your roofer may need to replace all the shingles if the bruises are widespread.

Problems with curling shingles might point to a problem with poor ventilation in the attic. A lack of sufficient ventilation causes your roof to get too hot, and that wears out the shingles faster. A residential roofing contractor might fix this problem by adding more ventilation to your attic so your shingles don't wear down too fast.

3. Keep Trees And Animals Away From The Roof

It's best to keep your roof clear of anything that could harm it, such as tree branches, leaf piles, foot traffic, birds, and animals. Trimming branches away from your house will reduce many of these problems since rats and raccoons may not get on your roof if they don't have easy access. Plus, with trees trimmed back, you won't have to deal with branches scraping the shingles, fallen twigs, or leaf clumps that hold moisture on the roof.

If you ever notice woodpeckers digging in your roof or raccoons coming and going at dusk or dawn, call a roofer to check for roof damage. Quick repairs will keep out rain and pests that take advantage of a gnawed opening to get inside your attic.

Reach out to a residential roof service near you to learn more.