You want your roof to endure as long as possible because it is important to cover your house from the sun, wind, cold, and other hostile environmental elements. So, you must keep it in its best condition.
Other than that, a considerably high cost is associated with installing a new roof. Purchasing is surely not as enjoyable as doing some shopping or purchasing a new piece of art for your living room.
Thankfully, there are proven and tested ways to help you with roof maintenance and extend its lifespan for years. Want to know how? Stick to this article until the end.
Why Roof Maintenance Is A Must
But, wait! Is it truly necessary? Obviously yes. Nothing can survive forever, not even the toughest roofs or the most resilient tiles.
You can anticipate an approximate roof life expectancy between 10 and 30 years, provided it is maintained in good shape and receives routine maintenance. It’s crucial to be aware of potential roof damage, though. Surely, you could not imagine a roofless house.
These are just a few of the factors that can reduce your roof’s lifespan.
- Extreme weather includes everything from blazing sunshine to heavy snowfall.
- Major downpours
- Strong winds
- Tree branches
- Debris such as filth, dust, algae, moss, and fungi
10 Top Tips To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Roof
Roof maintenance does not require more expenses; simply follow these top proven and practical tips that you can incorporate into your roof maintenance.
1. Check And Clean Gutters
Gutter cleaning is doable for most people as long as they use caution and the proper equipment. Ideally, you should clean them every three months but inspect them more frequently. It shouldn’t take a downpour for you to see that your gutters are spilling.
Rainwater may back into the roof or your basement if your gutters cannot reroute that rapid onslaught of water. You should contact a home roofing company if there is a significant debris buildup in your gutters.
2. Change The Shingles
When roofing shingles are installed incorrectly or are exposed to extreme weather, they may crack and break. When you notice a missing or damaged shingle, hire a specialist to examine the entire area and make the necessary repairs. Doing this will take care of minor problems before they worsen and lead to leaks or major damage.
3. Optimal Ventilation
The roof’s longevity might be extended by a ventilation system operating properly. Mold and mildew growth, a warm or humid attic, and other ventilation system problems are clear indicators.
Start by evaluating your attic for air obstructions, paying particular attention to the exhaust paths. Typical obstruction issues include
- Pests Infestations
- Storing extra boxes
- Insulation
4. Examine Your Roof Following Storms
You should check your roof after a heavy storm, particularly with strong wind or rain.
As you stroll around your property, look for cracked tiles, debris accumulations, or obvious puddles. Additionally, this is an excellent time to check the functionality of your gutters.
5. Control the Growth Of Moss
While moss is natural and lightweight, it can nonetheless hurt the durability of your roof. Depending on the location, some roofs may have greater moss development than others. You risk having a lot of moss if your home is near or beneath many trees and in a humid or tropical climate.
Moss similarly absorbs water as a sponge does. If your roof has moss, it is soaking up water each time it rains, which causes your roof to get heavier and its structure to deteriorate. Not to mention that this can harm your tiles and other roofing systems in several ways.
Ensure your roof is free of any damaging moss or other green stuff growing on it, much like your gutters.
6. Trim Trees Near The Roof
It might surprise you to learn that normal roof maintenance includes tree cutting. The trees surrounding your property will determine how frequently you do this.
Even though trees offer shade and aesthetic value, you should prune back any branches hanging above your roof.
Branches, leaf fragments, and palm tree leaves can all inflict significant harm. Pine needles are infamous for obstructing the roof’s sewage system.
7. Eliminating Ice Formation
Ice and snow add weight to a roof and can occasionally break it if they remain for a long time. Additionally, they lead to temperature fluctuations that could stress the roofing shingles and result in thermal shock.
When it’s chilly outside, you can remove ice from your roof using a wide scraper or a solution of water and road salt. Contact a specialist for expert removal services if the portions are large to prevent damage to your house.
8. Strengthen the Roof During Installation
Consider paying more for this three-stage procedure when getting a new roof if you live in a region that frequently experiences hurricanes, tornadoes, or strong thunderstorm-related winds.
Decking is first sealed by installers using specialized tape or sealer. They also utilize ring-shank nails, which have ridges that can withstand wind uplift. Third, they use metal flashing to secure the borders of the roof.
9. Do Not Power Wash Roof Tiles.
The concentrated spray may cause the top coating of the products to become loose, resulting in damage that is not covered by the guarantee. Instead, hire a professional to use a leaf blower or broom to clean dirt and moss. And avoid doing it yourself. For your safety, a professional opinion is advised.
10. Observe Your Roof Regularly
Most people hardly ever inspect their roofs until they notice a leak or a damaged shingle. However, you can determine whether there is a problem by inspecting it, particularly following hail or windstorms.
Utilizing binoculars, stroll around your house and look for any flashing, chimney, or roof flaws. Additionally, keep an eye out for discoloration, the appearance of moss, and twisted or broken shingles.
Conclusion
Above all else, to top the list is to have a professional roof inspection. To save money on maintenance, most households forego professional roof inspections. However, hiring these services will enable you to ascertain whether your roof has a problem and save you more money.
Blue Angel Roofing & General Contracting is the leading roofing expert in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Don’t miss out on our high-quality services for any type of roof repair — better service at a better price. Call for a free inspection today!
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