Roofing means maintenance. It doesn’t matter what kind your have—flat, metal, shingles—or even where you live or the climate. Sure, some types of roofing will require more maintenance than others, but no roof is entirely maintenance-free. If you want to keep your roof for a long time, you are encouraged to do some preventative maintenance throughout the year. Here are some tips that anyone can use to keep their roof in good condition.

The Golden Rule of Roof Maintenance

This applies to every roof, no matter what type. Never let debris sit on the roof for a prolonged period. Clear it off immediately. When you clear debris, you can find any tears or punctures. You also stop things like branches from scratching the roof and weakening it.

Shingle Roof Maintenance

The main focus of maintaining shingles is checking for damaged or loosened pieces. Curling shingles or even missing ones can be easily hidden beneath debris—hence the golden rule—and brittle shingles can easily lift off in a good wind. Once in a while, get on your roof and survey the shingles. Look for places where there is mold or if the granules on shingles have been scratched off. You can also check gutters for the granules. This can hint to any damage, especially after a storm. If you are unsure about getting up on the roof or have no knowledge, hire a roofer to come an inspect your shingles for you.

Flat Roof Maintenance

A flat roof often means a rubber roof or one with a PVC membrane. With these types, you need to watch out for bubbling. This means that a section of the membrane has lifted away and is bloated. Most of the time this is caused by poor insulation or there is a tear in the PVC membrane that has caused it balloon with either air or water. If you see bubbling, call a contractor. Patching up membranes often requires a professional.

Metal Roof Maintenance

Though metal roofs are resilient against a lot of damage, they are still exposed to the elements, and that can lead to dings, dents, rusting, and even punctures. Some scratches can even affect the permeability, so you might need to reseal the roof to maintain the waterproof coating. If you find any holes or gashes, new panels can be installed or the hole can be welded together. Again, these repairs might require a professional’s help, so don’t hesitate to call a roofing contractor for assistance.

Now that you know what to look for when maintaining your roof, it is time to get out there and perform some routine maintenance. Simply knowing when you could have a potential problem can save you from a lot of frustration and expenses later on. Be sure to always check your roof after severe storms, since that is when damage is most likely to occur.