Summer heat and summer storms can damage the roof, which can result in leaks that cause further damage to the structural integrity of your house. Like every other part of the house, the roof requires maintenance to keep it functional. Denver roofing companies offer the following tips to keep your roof in tip-top shape.

1. Clean gutters and downspouts. Debris that clogs gutters and downspouts leads to water going where it shouldn’t and causing damage to substructures beneath the shingles and under the foundation. Stinging insects like to build nests under the eaves, so be careful.

2. Trim overhanging branches. Tree branches that hang over the roof offer a highway to heaven--or a warm, dry home--to ants, squirrels, and other pests you really don’t want living in your attic.

3. Remove moss. Moss growing on the roof looks grungy, holds water, and destroys the integrity of the roof by degrading the material. Be careful of using chemical moss killers, which may also discolor and/or damage roofing materials.

4. Replace missing and damaged shingles. Missing and damaged shingles are prime places for pests and water to gain entry into the home.

5. Repair broken flashing and damaged seals. Anywhere there is a penetration through the roof--skylights, vents, chimneys, etc.--there is the probability that the flashing and seal directing water away from the hole will fail. Check roof penetrations and repair leaks immediately to prevent further damage.

6. Block openings where small animals can enter the house. Squirrels, raccoons, rats, and other four-legged pests will gladly accept the invitation to move into your attic, chew through electrical cords and cables, and ruin insulation with urine and feces. Use hardware cloth or other means to block access through roof vents and other openings.

7. Remove mold. When inspecting the underside of your roof from the attic, if you see mold, you know there’s a problem. Mold means moisture and contributes to rot, insect damage, and disease. Depending upon the extent of the damage treating the mold and fixing the leak may be sufficient to fix the problem.

A proactive approach to roof maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs--not just the roof, but of other structures in the home, too. Proper roof maintenance will also extend the life of your roof.

Simply inspecting the roof can be dangerous, from stepping in the wrong place to stepping through rotted material to simply losing your balance and falling. Routine maintenance is important, but so is your safety. Use proper safety equipment, bring a second person who can at least dial 911 for you if you’re badly hurt, make sure your ladder is in good repair and steady, and be sure you know where to step. Work early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in and save yourself from heatstroke.

If you’re not sure about inspecting your roof yourself or if the damage requires more repair than you can handle, call a qualified Denver roof repair company. Big Creek Roofing and Restoration will inspect, fix, and replace damaged roofs. Call (303) 877-8369 for a consultation.