When you have issues with your roof, then you are risking the comfort and safety of your home. Because of this, regular maintenance and upkeep is important for your home and roof. As soon as any issue arises with your roof, you can immediately contact a local roofing contractor, which will eliminate the risk of the repairs becoming extensive and expensive, further reducing the risk of having to have your entire roof replaced. To ensure that your roof remains in great shape, here are a few maintenance tasks that you will want to keep on your to-do list as a new homeowner.

Periodically Inspect the Roof from the Ground

It can be dangerous to get on your rood if you do not have the proper tools and experience. Thankfully, as a homeowner, you can simply perform an inspection right from the ground and get a decent feel for the roof's condition. Go around your home and check the perimeter for any signs of granules. If you find any, it may be a sign that your asphalt shingles are beginning to deteriorate.

Clean Out the Gutters

Without gutters, water is unable to properly drain from the roof. When these gutters get clogged up, rain runoff cannot be directed away from the home. As a result, water builds up on the roof, rotting the shingles and making its way to the substrate below. To keep this from happening, the gutters need to be cleaned routinely. This is a process that can be done by you or a professional.

Trim Overhanging Branches

If you have any trees that are near your home, then there is a chance that there are some limbs hanging over the roof of your house. These limbs will eventually become too long and scratch or puncture the surface of your roof, if they are left unattended to. Even if they don't get so bad to where they touch your roof, heavy storms could come through and cause the limbs to snap in half and fall onto your roof, causing damage. In addition, small animals can use the limbs to gain access to your roof, where they can then cause all sorts of damage. Therefore, it is imperative to keep any overhanging limbs cut back.

Inspect the Attic Insulation

Many homeowners fail to realize the importance of the insulation in the attic, but if this insulation is not adequate, it can result in air and heat transfer loss that can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Insulation can eventually deteriorate, rendering it useless in regulating indoor temperature. So, periodically you should get into the attic and inspect the insulation. Look for signs of wet, moldy, or corroded insulation. If you see these signs, contact a professional immediately.

For more information on maintaining your roof, call a roofing contractor in your area.