Your home's roof can take a great deal of wear and tear from wind, rain, and sun and still last many decades. However, if you use the wrong care or neglect specific areas of your roof, you will end up with a roof that is lacking in areas and results in moisture damage to the inside of your home. Here are some ideas and recommendations you can use to ensure you have a maintained roof and long-lasting protection.

Clean Your Roof Properly

From time to time your roof is going to become covered in a variety of debris and stains. Debris from trees and trash or moss and algae growth on your roof can turn your once-clean roof into a dirty mess. The problem with tree leaves left on your roof is that they hold in moisture and can lead to degradation of your roofing shingles. And moss or algae will discolor your shingles and also take hold of them through their root systems, which similarly damage your roof shingles and break them apart.

You may be tempted to use your pressure washer on your roof or a garden hose with a full-force nozzle, but these can cause extra damage to your shingles. Excess pressure spraying on your shingles can lift the shingles from underneath and push water below their layers, and it can also remove the protective granules from your shingles, leaving them vulnerable to moisture damage. 

Use a broom to sweep debris from your roof. To remove moss and algae, you can find a roof cleaner that you spray onto your roof and rinse off with your hose and regular water pressure to prevent damage. You can also hire a roofing professional to clean your roof's surface. They will also be able to check your roof up close for any damage and problems that need addressing with repairs.

Check Roof and Attic Ventilation

Your roof needs to have the proper ventilation to allow heat and cold temperatures to regulate the air inside your attic. The roofing deck below your shingles gets direct exposure to the space in your attic, and if it is too hot in the winter, for example, it will cause the snow and ice to melt and freeze at the edges, forming ice dams. 

Check to make sure the vents in your attic space are working properly. You may contact your roofer to evaluate your roof vents to ensure there is adequate ventilation. If your roof has vents but they are not sufficient for the size of your roof, it can cause further problems.