On average, it costs $8,600 to replace a home's roof, and it's possible to spend as much as $45,000 or more. This staggering price tag makes it essential to properly maintain your roof so that it lasts as long as possible. To help you keep your home's roof in great condition and free of costly damage, here are five roof maintenance tips to keep in mind.

1. Trim Branches Away From Your Roof

Falling tree limbs are a common cause of serious roof damage, and high winds can sometimes break off branches even if they're healthy. One of the best things you can do to protect your roof is to remove any branches that hang over it.

2. Remove Leaves and Debris

Tree leaves and detritus that build up on your roof are more than just an eyesore; they can inflict damage if they aren't removed. This happens because the moisture trapped in leaves and other debris creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and algae. Both substances can eat away at your roofing materials. Heavy accumulations of leaves and other tree remnants may cause leaks by trapping water on your roof.

3. Keep Your Gutters Clean

The gutters on your roof perform the vital role of diverting water away from your home and releasing it on the ground below. If your gutters are clogged with debris, they won't be able to perform this all-important function adequately.

4. Regularly Treat for Moss and Algae

We've already mentioned how moss and algae growth on a roof can harm its integrity over time. In addition to removing moisture-trapping debris so that there is less opportunity for mold and algae to grow, it's a good idea to have your roof treated for moss and algae at least once annually.

5. Inspect Your Roof and Repair Broken Shingles After a Storm

During a storm, high winds can sometimes harm or even detach roof shingles, exposing the wood underneath them and allowing water to damage it. Be sure to inspect your roof for missing or broken shingles after a storm. Roof shingles with minor cracks and tears can usually be repaired using a roofing sealant, but missing or severely damaged shingles should be replaced.