Home › Learn From The Pros › 4 Steps to Care for Your Gutter and Roof Systems 4 Steps to Care for Your Gutter and Roof Systems April 19, 2023 Keeping your roof in good shape can go a long way in safeguarding your home against water damage. In this post, Advantage Seamless Gutters has compiled some of the best ways to take continuous care for your roof and ensure it remains intact throughout its life span. 1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts One of the best things you can do for your roof is to ensure your gutters are clog-free. By removing leaves, branches and other material that gets stuck in your gutter system, you not only get rid of built-up sludge or water stagnation but also ensure proper water runoff. Without clogs, you no longer have to worry about water backing up to your roof and causing damage to your shingles and other roof components. 2. Inspect for Damage Perform a visual roof inspection regularly. Using a pair of binoculars, check for signs of shingle damage — curling, buckling, or cracking — as well as flashing damage. Examine the gutters, too. Look for dents, tears and splits. Make sure the entire gutters are still attached to the fascia board. Take note of rust and corrosion on the seams and downspouts. Get in touch with a professional as soon as you see some that would require immediate attention. 3. Trim Overhanging Branches Tree branches tend to grow excessively to the point they are already touching the roof and gutters. Trimming them back a few feet away reduces debris buildup on the roof and ensures your gutter system remains unobstructed. 4. Check for Proper Ventilation Making sure your roof has adequate ventilation helps to reduce the risk of damage associated with moisture and heat buildup on the underside of your shingles. Otherwise, your roof becomes more exposed to leaks that lead to mold and rot due to ice dams and condensation forming in the attic. Advantage Seamless Gutters is not just well-versed in gutter cleaning and installations. We also take pride in keeping asphalt shingle roofs in and around Alexandria, MN, in good condition. We offer Roof Maxx roof restoration treatments, which uses plant-based oils that soak into the shingles’ asphalt layer, replenishing the petrochemical oil that has evaporated over time. With this applied to your roof, you can add five more years to its life span! To learn more, call us at (218) 270-2663, or fill out this contact form to get an estimate.