How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof

Keep Your Roof In Good Shape Longer With These Tips

As your home's first line of defense, your roof gets a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. No matter what type of roof you have, you will need to replace it at some point.

Roof problems and replacements are inevitable, but you can take extra care of your roof to delay the onset of such problems and extend its lifespan. As a homeowner, you can reap the benefits from incorporating these roof care tips into your home maintenance routine to make your roof last longer.

Make Emergency Repairs to Your Roof

If you notice leaks in your ceiling, missing shingles, or other signs of damage, act immediately. Leaving your roof unrepaired allows the elements to further damage your home's interior walls.

You should contact a professional to repair any storm damage to your roof after a storm. Prompt action can save you a lot of money on expensive repairs and replacements in the long run.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters are an important part of a sloped roof's drainage system, so maintaining them is an important part of roof maintenance. The downspouts in your home drain the water that runs off your roof into the gutters.

When your gutters become clogged with leaves or twigs, water may collect and cause damage to your roof. Consider installing a gutter protection system to make gutter maintenance easier.

Clean the Roof Regularly

Your roof can deteriorate as a result of collecting dirt, leaves, twigs, moss, and algae. You can avoid scratches on the roof's surface and any water damage to the interior by regularly cleaning the surface. We do not recommend that homeowners power wash their roofs. This can lead to damage if not performed correctly.

After severe winds or storms, it is especially important to clear debris. Be careful when climbing onto your roof. When climbing onto your roof, use safety equipment, and don't do it on a wet or rainy day.

Get Rid of Overhanging Tree Branches

The branches of trees that hang over your roof can drop twigs and debris. They can also provide an environment that is conducive to mold, algae, and moss growth. In high winds and storms, overhanging branches are likely to drop onto your roof. Small branches can clog gutters. Large branches can cause damage when the fall on your roof.

Inspect Attic Insulation

Because the attic is the highest point in your home, hot air rises and is crucial to your home's overall insulation. In the winter, a lack of insulation or damaged shingles can let warm air leak from your home through your roof. Nobody wants to pay more than the have to in order to heat their home.

There are many advantages to attic insulation for your home, including:

● Reduces moisture in the home to prevent ice dams.

● Improves the efficiency of your HVAC system by insulating the interior of your home.

Improve Airflow with Ventilation

Roof tiles and shingles can deteriorate and crumble due to heat from poorly ventilated roofs, and moisture issues can harm valuables kept in your loft during hot weather. If the attic is overheated in cold weather, ice damming can occur, a problem in which frost forms along the roof edge and prevents melting snow and ice from draining away efficiently, causing damage inside the home.

If you install soffit ventilation above fascia strips, you may ‌improve the flow of air into your attic and roof. Roof trays and tile vents can help improve ventilation in your roof and attic in the most practical manner while also protecting your roof‌.

Caulk Flashing as Needed

Flashing is usually found near chimneys or skylights and on your roof's edges and seams. Flashing provides an extra layer of protection from water in the areas where water is likely to run or at the points where the roof has corners or other potentially vulnerable spots.

Hence, flashings require special inspection, and any damaged or peeling caulk needs to be replaced. Before applying the new caulk, remove all old caulk from around the flashes.

Get Your Roof Inspected Every Year

You can take proactive steps to preserve your roof by hiring a professional to examine it. Our team has the experience and equipment necessary to thoroughly inspect your roof from top to bottom. We can identify damage or items that require upkeep or repair from the attic to the shingles to the flashing and gutters, and help you determine next steps to keep your roof in good shape.

Should your roof require repair, we will show you the items that need attention and thoroughly explain the process and costs involved in addressing those items. If your roof is near the end of its lifespan or has more extensive damage, we may recommend replacement.

Taking Care of Your Roof to Prolong Its Life

Routine maintenance is the best way to extend the lifespan, and quality, of your roof. With timely repairs, enhancements, and inspections, your roof should last well into its life expectancy—and maybe even longer if it's well-cared for.

To schedule a roof inspection or maintenance appointment, give us a call today!