The phrase about “having a roof over one’s head” has become synonymous with having the peace and comfort of a home. It’s easy to forget that the roof itself is exposed to whatever nature can throw at it, from intense sunlight to hailstones to snow and ice.

Over time, these stresses will take their toll on the roof. If you find yourself having to make a major repair job, you’ll likely wind up paying thousands of dollars for the work. But if you are diligent about preventative maintenance, your roof will stay in good shape for many years.

Keeping your gutters clean is an essential part of keeping moisture from doing damage to your roof. Jeanne Huber, writing for the National Association of Realtors’ home improvement site HouseLogic, says clogged gutters can cause water to rot the roof’s sheathing or rafters. Water overflowing from the gutter can also damage the siding or lead to a damp basement.

The gutters should be cleaned out at least twice a year, in the autumn and spring. Savannah Coulsen, writing for the home improvement site HomeAdvisor, says you should also make sure that any drains used to get rid of water from the roof should be kept clear.

Tree branches can cause extensive damage if they fall on the roof. Coulsen says homes in areas that see frequent snowfall or hail are more at risk for this kind of damage. Trim back branches to the point where they won’t hit the roof if they break off. Huber says action this has the added advantage of denying squirrels an access route to the roof, where they might nibble on the shingles or other roofing material.

Even with this trimming, leaves might pile up on certain areas of the roof. These should be removed before they trap water, leading to mold growth or rot. A & H Roofing, a company in Brighton, Colorado, says piles of leaves will also provide habitats for ants and other pests.

If you spot moss growing on the roof, remove it as soon as possible. Huber recommends using a detergent to kill any stubborn moss, but only applying it to areas where the moss is growing. You can also consider getting zinc strips installed at the top of the roof, since the runoff from this metal during rainfall will prevent moss from growing.

Coulsen recommends washing the roof regularly to keep it clean. If you use a pressure washer, be careful not to use too high a setting. Doing so can easily pry up shingles or otherwise cause damage to the roof.

During the winter, use a roof rake to remove snow. This maintenance will reduce the risk of leaks or ice dams.

Consider investing in improvements to your attic. Upgrading your insulation and plugging air leaks will help keep the attic temperate, slowing down the breakdown of any roofing material. A & H Roofing says there should also be adequate ventilation, which keeps the space from getting too hot or humid.

Periodically inspect the roof to see if there are any issues that need to be repaired. Leaks should be fixed as soon as possible, and A & H Roofing says this job can sometimes be accomplished by re-caulking any aging fasteners.

Be sure to do an inspection after any major storms or especially windy days. Scan the roof, using binoculars if necessary, to identify any damaged or missing shingles or flashing.