The roof over your head serves to keep your family dry by keeping out the elements, but while it does this day in and day out without any thought you should be making sure to maintain your roof to ensure that it is in good working order and continues to last for years and years to come. Here are some important tips for how to properly maintain your roof:

• Conduct routine inspections of your roof's surface and structural supports. Inspecting your roof means more than looking taking a moment to glance up at it from the ground. Complete inspections require getting on the roof to ensure that there are no areas of damage, that no shingles have come loose or blown off, or that there are no other structural issues to be concerned with. Some of the other warning signs you should look for include curled shingles, cracked caulking, rusted flashings, moss or other fungi.
• If you notice that there are areas of your roof that need attention you can commonly fix the problem yourself. With a hammer and some roofing nails you can often re-attach shingles that have become loose. With power tools you can make more substantial repairs, do through cleanings, and more. When working with power tools be sure they are in good repair with Ridgid parts.
• Keep an eye on the gutters. Your gutter system can signal a problem with your roof before a major one develops. If you notice small piles of silica sand or asphalt dust at the bottom of downspouts, this is a warning sign that your roof has become aged and is no longer offering the protection it once did. It's time to begin planning the replacement of the shingles. In addition, keeping your gutters clean is vitally important to your roof as well. The purpose of the gutters it to take rain water away from your home. Gutters that are full or clogged allow for water to build up and eventually penetrate under the edge of the shingles. This can lead to water damage to your home. Be sure to clean out your gutters at least annually.

Taking the time to inspect and repair your roof will ensure that if provides protection to your home from the elements. While all roof surface eventually wear out, you can ensure that yours lasts as long as possible through routine inspections and maintenance. Hire a professional to replace your roof if you do run into problems.