Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Not only does it keep you and your family dry, but it also protects your home from the elements. Roofs are often exposed to the sun, wind, rain, and snow, which can take a toll on them over time.
And when they are not taken care of, roofs can start to leak and eventually need to be replaced. Replacement of roofs is often very costly, so it is important to do what you can to extend the life of your roof.
So, How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof?
Roofs are often designed to last for a certain number of years. Different kind of roofs has different lifespans. For example, a tile roof might last for around 50 years, while a metal roof might only last for about 20 years.
The lifespan of a roof can be extended by taking care of it and doing regular maintenance.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
Remove Leaves and Debris
Leaves and other debris can clog up your roof’s gutters, which can lead to water damage. Make sure to remove leaves and other debris from your roof on a regular basis.
Check for Damage
The best way to prevent damage to your roof is to catch it early. Make sure to check your roof for any damage regularly and if you find any problem, small or big, fix it as soon as possible. Use materials that will make you see, such as binoculars, the roof shingles for missing, curling, or buckling, and the flashing around vents and chimneys for cracks.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can grow tall enough to damage your roof. Make sure to trim them back so they’re not touching your roof. Branches also let small animals, like squirrels and raccoons, onto your roof, where they can cause even more damage.
Add Ice and Water Shield to Your Roof
If you don’t have an ice and water shield on your roof, add it as soon as possible. This will help protect your roof from damage caused by ice dams.
Install Gutter Guards
Gutters get clogged with leaves and debris over time, and water won’t be able to flow through them like it’s supposed to. Installing gutter guards will help keep your gutters clean and free of debris. You don’t have to clean them out as often, and this will extend the life of your roof.
Inspect Your Roof After a Storm
If you live in an area that is prone to storms, it’s important to inspect your roof after every storm. Look for missing shingles, dents, and other damage. If you don’t fix the damage right away, it will only get worse and could lead to a roof replacement.
Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles
If you have missing or damaged shingles, replace them as soon as possible. A missing shingle can lead to water damage, and a damaged shingle can let the wind in. Both of these things will shorten the life of your roof.
Remove Snow and Ice from Your Roof
If you live in a place where it snows, make sure to remove the snow and ice from your roof. Heavy snow can cause damage to your roof, and ice can put stress on the roofing materials and lead to leaks.
Check Your Roof for Leaks
If you notice any leaks in your home, check the roof to see if they’re coming from the roof. Leaks can cause a lot of damage to your home if not fixed quickly.
Make Sure Your Insulation is Sufficient
Attic insulation can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Make sure your insulation is sufficient to protect your roofing materials from the weather.
Inspect the Roofing Material
Different types of roofing materials have different lifespans. For example, the fasteners that hold asphalt shingles in place only have a lifespan of about 15 years. Inspect your roofing materials regularly to make sure they are still in good condition.
Ensure Your Attic has Proper Ventilation
An attic that isn’t properly ventilated can cause your roofing materials to overheat and deteriorate prematurely. Make sure your attic has proper ventilation to avoid this problem.
Get a Professional to Inspect Your Roof
It’s always a good idea to get a professional roof inspection at least once a year, especially if you live in an area that is prone to severe weather conditions. A roof inspector can identify any potential problems with your roof and fix them before they become bigger issues.
Hire a Professional Roofer
If you do have any problems with your roof, it’s best to hire a professional to repair them. Trying to fix a roof on your own can be dangerous and may not be done correctly.
Conclusion
Roofs are an important part of a home, it is what makes your home weatherproof and keep you and your family safe. Thinking of ways to extend the life of your roof is important, and by following these tips you can do just that. If you have any other questions or concerns about your roof, be sure to contact Integris Roofing for professional assistance!
