According to roof maintenance companies, millions of people replace their roofs every year because it has reached the end of their useful life or because the last storm did a lot of damage.

But even though every roof needs to be replaced at some point, there are a few ways to take care of a shingle roof, so you don't have to tear it off sooner than you need to.

We've made a quick roof maintenance checklist for your roof that will help you find and stop the kind of damage that will destroy your roof.

The Must-Have List for Roof Maintenance

1. Check your roof shingles often

So, how do you keep a roof in good shape? The first thing to do is check on it as often as possible, especially after a storm or when the winds are strong. You don't have to climb a ladder to get a good look at your roof, which is good news. Instead, you only need a good pair of binoculars to spot any potential problems. Here are some things you should look for when you check your own roof:

• Missing shingles

• Curling shingles

• Cracked shingles

• Peeling flashing

• Missing granules

Any of the above signs of damage should be checked out immediately, preferably by a professional roofer who can safely make the necessary repairs.

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2. Have a professional check your roof.

You might ask yourself why you should pay for a roof inspection when our roof maintenance checklist suits you. An inspector will be able to find problems you might have missed and give you great advice on how to keep your roof in good shape. They will also give you a rough idea of how many more years it will last. Most roofers recommend checking your roof every two years, but if you check it once a year, you're more likely to find problems before they become expensive to fix.

3. Check your attic and ceiling for leaks

Water stains inside your house are another good sign that your roof needs work. You should check your ceilings and attic for water damage as often as you check your roof. This will help you catch problems before they get worse. Most of the time, these are the first signs of a leak:

• There are musty smells in some rooms.
• Your ceiling has marks from water.
• Spots on the outside of your house.
• Walls inside your home that are bulging.

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4. Clean the roof

One important tip for taking care of a shingle roof is to wash it. At some point, your roof will start to look dirty, with long, dark streaks running from the peak to the edge. This is algae growing in your home. Algae won't hurt your roof immediately, but if you let it stay there for a long time, it can slowly rot your shingles.

To get rid of these animals that look like plants, spray your roof with a mixture of water and bleach that is 50 percent each. The bleach will get rid of the algae pretty quickly, but you should also put copper strips just below the peak of your roof. When it rains, the copper molecules will run down your roof and kill any algae trying to come back.

If you or an inspector conclude that your roof needs to be replaced, the first step is to search for a reputable roof maintenance company. You should get in touch with Swadley Roof Systems for any of your roof care requirements.