Excess moisture is a danger to your entire house, and it can harm your roof. Repairing leaks and damaged shingles promptly is important so the deck of your roof doesn't get damp and start to rot. There are other things you can do to protect roofing from moisture damage too. Here are four tips for keeping your roof dry.

1. Maintain The Gutters

Gutters collect rain and route it away from your roof and your home. Check your gutters occasionally to make sure they drain water from the troughs through the downspout rather than allow water to back up and spill over the sides. This might happen if the troughs get out of alignment and cause the water to puddle rather than flow out.

Once the water starts backing up, it can get under the last roll of shingles or cause the fascia boards on the roof to rot. Clogs of leaves in the troughs can also cause water damage to your roof, so clear out your gutters as often as needed to keep them draining properly.

2. Improve Attic Ventilation

Your attic needs adequate ventilation because the top of the attic is the underside of the roof, and if the attic gets hot, the roof heats up too. This heat can cause shingle damage, and it can cause ice dams to form in the winter. The heat also leads to condensation that can accumulate under the shingles and lead to roof damage. A roofer can check your attic to see if it needs more ventilation, and if it does, the roofer may add extra vents to improve air circulation.

3. Clean Leaves And Moss Off The Roof

If a clump of wet leaves gets stuck on your roof, clean them off so they won't hold moisture against the shingles. Your roof should be kept free of debris such as leaves and twigs to reduce the risk of shingle damage that could lead to roof leaks.

Moss is another potential problem for your roof. When moss grows, it keeps moisture on the roof and as the roots dig under the shingles, the shingles lift and let rain seep through. Moss should be removed from the roof so your roof stays dry, and removing moss when it first starts is easier than cleaning off a roof that's covered with the growth.

4. Watch For Roof Leaks

Stay alert for roof leaks so you can have shingles replaced and flashing repaired as soon as needed. This may entail going in your attic regularly to look for signs the roof has been leaking. In addition, check the condition of your roof while standing outside to look for missing or damaged shingles. If you see a problem with your roof, be sure to get repairs right away so you can keep rain from leaking in your house or getting under the shingles.

For more information about roofing, contact a company like Columbia Roofing Inc.