For most people, their roof is one of their biggest investments, so roof maintenance is important to ensure its longevity. No matter what material your roof is made from, in general, maintenance looks the same for everyone. You can prevent your roof from premature deterioration by applying the following tips. You may be able to do some on your own, but we recommend hiring a roofing contractor for most, as they have the tools and experience to complete the job correctly the first time. Homeowners in Hollywood, FL can look no further than J&K Roofing, Hollywood’s premier roofing company.

Check Your Shingles

Maintaining your shingles may not seem like your first priority, but it’s important to check to make sure none are missing or damaged. Look out for:

• Dirt
• Grime
• Algae
• Moss
• Fungal growth

Any shingles that are compromised (or missing) should be immediately replaced. If you have the tools and know-how, you can probably do this on your own, but we always recommend hiring a professional contractor, as it’s safer and can better guarantee longer-lasting results.

The cost to replace and repair shingles will depend on your roof material. For example, if you have asphalt shingles, these are generally affordable to maintain.

Check Roof Sealant

If you applied roof sealant in the past to repair small cracks and other superficial roof penetrations, make sure you routinely check it. It may not be hurricane season, but the heat, humidity, and frequent rain in South Florida can do a number on aging sealant. You may have to reapply, if necessary, as roof sealant is critical to the health and longevity of your roof. Do not apply a new sealant over the old. Instead, remove the old and start fresh.

Remove Rust

Metal roofs have grown in popularity in recent years. They last longer, are easy to maintain, are good for the environment, and are resistant to mildew, rot, and fire. However, one thing that can harm your metal roof is rust. Preventative measures are crucial, but if rust still develops, we recommend hiring a professional to remove it. Even if you don’t own a metal roof, you can experience rust if metal parts have been installed on your roof, like roof flashings, or antenna mounts.

If you notice any signs of rust on non-metal roofs, you don’t need an expert to remove it. However, removal requires a lot of time and elbow grease. Once all of it is removed, it is recommended to prime and paint the affected areas to ensure it lasts longer.

Maintain Tree Branches

Most people can appreciate beautiful, lush trees surrounding their homes. However, they can cause problems if the branches get too close to the roof. We recommend trimming off a few feet when it starts to grow precariously close to your roof. If heavy limbs are hanging over your roof, they can break in a bad storm and cause serious damage. Additionally, as leaves begin to accumulate, this can compromise the roof material.

Routinely Clean Gutters

As most people know, clogged gutters can result in serious damage to their roofs. When water builds in your gutters, it will eventually travel down to your roof and underneath your shingles. Nobody likes to clean their gutters, but clean gutters ensure water is transferred away from the roof to maintain its longevity. Not in the mood to clean your gutters? No problem. Let the professionals handle the job. At J&K Roofing, one of the services we provide is gutter cleaning for residential roofs.

Contact J&K Roofing

You want to ensure your roof looks good during the holidays and the rest of the year. Not only does it improve the appearance of your home, but a properly maintained roof offers protection. After all, the roof is one of the home’s first lines of defense against bad weather and other hazards. Remember that in South Florida, roofs are extremely vulnerable because of the constant heat, humidity, and heavy rain. Therefore, applying these strategies will ensure they do not deteriorate prematurely.

When you need professional roof maintenance, our team of professional roofing contractors can restore any roof to perfect working order. For over 30 years, we have serviced homes throughout South Florida, specializing in residential and commercial roofing systems. For a licensed roofer in Fort Lauderdale, contact J&K Roofing. Call (954) 961-9879 to learn more.