Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home since it keeps the elements out. That includes the heat from the sun, the cold from the air conditioning, and the rain and snow. Though the cost of a new asphalt roof might easily reach $10,000 or more, there are ways to extend the lifespan of your current roof. Even though all asphalt shingles will dry up and break at some point, the lifespan of your roof may be extended via appropriate care and inspections. Asphalt shingles are known to deteriorate after 6–8 years at the earliest. This article will go over seven tips to extend the lifespan of your roof.
Keep up with the upkeep of the gutters
It’s possible that gutters aren’t the first thing you think about when trying to figure out how to make your roof last longer. Rainwater is diverted away from the house’s foundation and roof via downspouts. Debris like leaves and twigs is collected in the gutters. In order to prevent flooding and other issues in the future, they are necessary for redirecting excess water to its proper location.
A significant part of roof maintenance also involves attending to the gutters. It’s best to have your gutters in good working order and ready for the next season in the spring. Cover any cracks or gaps and ensure they are securely attached to the home. Get rid of the debris and leaves blocking the pipes by cleaning them out.
Clear the roof of any debris and dust
In order to extend the lifespan of your roof, you should pressure-wash it at least twice a year. However, this might change depending on factors, including your geographic location, the kind of trees in your area, and the season. If the climate in your region is very dry and dusty, for instance, you may need to clean your roof more frequently than normal. It may also necessitate more than a quick rinse with the garden hose.
Pressure washing can cause serious injury or death; therefore, it’s best to have a professional do it. Never subject your roof to high-pressure cleaning. Homeowners are cautioned against following the advice of those who say pressure washing is OK so long as the stream is indirect.
I don’t see the point in not using a pressure washer. In the first place, the predominant material for roofing in the USA is tile. Cracked or fractured tiles are easy to replace when subjected to a pressure washer. In addition, the tiles and the roof as a whole might be compromised if you use improper cleaners or chemicals. Consequently, cleaning your roof is essential, but it may not be adequate without the help of a professional.
Replace old shingles
Shingles can break if they are improperly installed or subjected to severe weather. Hiring a professional to inspect the entire roof and perform any required repairs should be done whenever a missing or broken shingle is discovered. If you take this precaution, you may be able to fix minor issues before they grow into larger ones and cause flooding or other costly damage.
Plan on having your roof checked once a year
At least once a year, you should have a roofing expert look over your roof. A roof inspection is an investment that pays off in the long run. It will extend the lifespan of your roof. A specialist will examine the roof for problems, including bubbles, blisters, missing or loose tiles, debris buildup, and water damage. They will also be able to spot smaller issues before they become major and cause the roof to cave in.
Even if a homeowner is keeping an eye on their roof, they should still have a professional roofing inspection done. If they tread in the wrong spot, even the most careful homeowner can crack a tile or hurt themselves. Please take standard precautions before ascending to your roof.
Trim the trees
According to relocation experts from zippyshellcolumbus.com, having trees on your property can provide a number of benefits. However, they can also pose some risks, especially if they are located too close to your house.
The rain gutter system on your roof is susceptible to clogging and water damage from falling leaves and twigs. A huge branch may inevitably be broken off by strong winds and afterward dumped onto your roof, causing damage if you have a tree whose branches extend over your home’s top.
When transplanting trees away from a house is not an option, routine pruning is the next best thing. Trimming the trees can prevent a big branch from falling on your home’s roof if a storm is expected.
Address the ice dams
It is possible that a roof may collapse under the weight of accumulated ice dams and snow if it were left untreated for an extended period of time. Furthermore, they cause temperature shifts, which can put a strain on the roof and perhaps cause thermal shock.
A scraper, some road salt, and some water may be used to remove ice from your roof during the winter. If the components are too large to move without risking damage to your home, it’s best to hire a professional removal service.
Make sure there is adequate air circulation in the attic
You must ensure that hot air escapes from your attic and cool air enter it to keep your roof in good condition. A damp attic might result from air being trapped behind an obstruction. As a result, moisture accumulates, and mold begins to grow.
In order to extend the lifespan of your roof, you should inspect the soffits and roof vents at least once a year to make sure they’re in perfect working order. Soffits, or roof vents, are openings that allow air to enter the structure from below. What this means is that there are no snags, bugs, or other issues. A homeowner can do this, but if there are any issues or if you need to get up on the roof to inspect a vent, you should think about getting a professional.
