Top Tips for First-Time Landlords: Roofing Maintenance
Roof maintenance is one of the most important things to keep on top of as a landlord. It’s a vital check that will keep your tenants warm and dry over the winter months.
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Landlords are generally encouraged to make two roof maintenance checks a year; one in spring and one in autumn. This is so that you can preempt any issues and avoid any costly problems in the future, as many issues can occur before it’s noticeable. Keep reading for tips and tricks to maintain your roof!
Why check your roof?
If you don’t take the time to maintain your roof, several issues can persist. Water can get into your attic, damage insulation, any wooden framing and even structural steel. Over time this can cause the look of your property to change drastically!
Maintaining your roof and performing regular checks is the best way to ensure large scale emergencies with your roof. Check your roof regularly for peace of mind and substantial cost savings.
How to maintain your roof
So, now you know why you should maintain your roof, and that it’s pretty important, here are some ways that you can actually start to preserve it.
- Clean out the gutters. Clogged gutters mean that rain and snow cannot drain properly, which can lead to leaks. Luckily, clearing out a gutter is easy- simply remove leaves, moss and anything else that has gotten stuck.
- Clean when you see green. Roof algae can cause your roof to age and can also cause black streaks. This can take values off your home. So, if you see green, make sure to get it cleaned.
- Make sure to keep your trees trimmed. This will prevent them from overgrowing and resting or falling on the roof. Trim the branches and remove any from the gutter.
- Make sure you pay attention to shingles. If any are curling, it can indicate that moisture has gotten inside. Make sure to replace any shingles that are showing damage to avoid leaks and further damage.
- Also make sure to check roof tiles. Roof tiles occasionally slip, but can easily be moved back into place.
- Watch out for any damp on the ceiling or walls. If you are noticing mould or damp on any internal walls, it is possible you have a problem with the roof. Also, if you can see any light through the roof boards, it’s certainly time to think about a repair.
- Check for sagging. In general, your roof should be a straight line along the ridge. If it isn’t and it looks like it could be sagging, the roof could collapse. Make sure to get it repaired.
- Check for flashing damage. Material such as the aluminium around the chimney, skylights and roof vents act to direct water away from important areas of the roof. If you spot any rust, make sure to address it.
- Keep on top of your energy bills. If they are higher than normal, ask yourself why. Could it be because heat is escaping through a hole or gap in the roof?
- Fill any cracks. Cracked mortar around the joints of chimneys is pretty common and must be sealed when you notice it.
- Check for nests. If you spot any bird or insect nests, call a professional to remove them safely. Nests can cause structural damage.
So, there you have it. We hope you found this guide helpful and it saves you money and time in the long run! Keeping your roof healthy will keep your home healthy- which means your tenants will be happy.
