Your roof is undeniably the most important component of your home. It protects your property and family from the outside elements. So, it’s certainly worth maintaining to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
With proper maintenance and care, it’s possible to extend the lifespan of your roof, particularly compared to a roof that hasn’t received the attention it deserves. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do, or hire someone to do, to make your roof last longer.
Here is a list of maintenance tips for every homeowner that can help you extend the overall function and lifespan of your roof.
1. Remove Debris and Dust
About once or twice per year, you’ll want to clean the debris and dust off of your roof’s surface. This generally involves pressure washing, which is something you’ll want to leave to professionals. If done incorrectly, it can cause damage to your roof. But keeping your roof clean will make it look better and last longer.
2. Trim Trees
Most homeowners are surprised to learn that regular tree trimming is an essential part of roof maintenance. But how often you need to do this depends on the type of trees surrounding your home. While trees provide aesthetics and shade, you don’t want large branches overhanging your roof because debris can clog your drainage system.
3. Remove Mold
If any part of your home is in the shade, water retention could lead to mold growth. These fungi can deteriorate your roof’s materials and lead to premature wear and tear. You can extend your roof’s lifespan by watching for signs of mold and removing it quickly.
4. Inspect Annually
At least once per year, have an expert take a look at your home’s roof. This annual inspection can save you significant money down the road as well as extend the useful life of your roof. A roofing professional can notice things a typical homeowner might not, such as curling shingles, blistering, and debris buildup. They can also make suggestions and help with roofing maintenance or repairs.
5. Re-inspect After Storms
In addition to your annual inspection, it’s a good practice to have your roof inspected after any major storms. Anytime your home is subject to intense wind or rain, consider it time to re-inspect your roof. Walk around your property and look for any missing tiles or shingles, as well as pooling water or stains on your home.
6. Fix Broken or Cracked Parts
If any pieces of your roofing system are broken or cracked, make sure you repair them immediately. Many roofing elements can be easily repaired, such as cracked tiles or warped shingles. This is the best way to ensure water doesn’t penetrate your home.
7. Watch for Leaks
The last thing you want is a roof leak that can damage other parts of your home and lead to costly repairs. When you do your periodic inspections, look for surface stains as well as anything that might have penetrated your roof. Common penetration points are skylights, chimneys, roof vents, and any other place that cuts through the roof.
8. Ensure Adequate Insulation
When your home isn’t properly insulated, it exposes your roof to excessive heat, which can speed up its aging process. Make sure you install adequate insulation in your attic and have the right type of roofing underlayment to reflect heat away from your home.
9. Have Proper Attic Ventilation
Hot air needs to circulate out of your home’s attic, and cool air needs to be let in. This ventilation is vital to the healthy functioning of your roof. If air gets trapped, this can lead to water retention and mold issues. At least once annually, make sure you inspect and clean your soffits and roof vents to clear out any obstructions or repair damage.
River Region Contracting Helps Prolong the Life of Your Roof
While that list of tasks might sound simple on the surface, not everyone wants to inspect and maintain their own roof. In fact, climbing up on your roof can be a bit dangerous, and it’s not something we recommend without the proper equipment and training.
At River Region Contracting in Montgomery, AL, we are dedicated to helping clients prolong and extend the useful life of their roofs through regular inspection and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection and learn more about our services.
