Tips To Make Your Roof Last Longer
The roof of your home plays one of the most important roles in protecting your home and keeping you safe, come rain or shine. It battles other outdoor elements like the heat during summer, severe rain, ice, or snow.
As a homeowner, you must understand the importance of the roof and ensure that it is in the best condition at all times. If you take care of it properly, the roof will last longer. In this guide, we explain different tips you can use to make the roof last longer.
Maintain It Well
To keep any structure in your home working properly and efficiently, you need to understand the importance of maintenance.
Homeowners who avoid regular maintenance end up spending a lot more on issues that need to be fixed. If you do not maintain any system or structure for a long time, you could end up replacing it or spending more money on its repairs.
Roofs are supposed to be durable and they will not require maintenance that often. But, this does not mean you ignore it completely.
You need to keep an eye out for the issues or problems and fix them immediately. This will avoid any further damage to the roof and your home’s structure.
Keep an Eye out For Damage
You must look out for any signs of damage to the roof. Even small problems can become huge and dangerous if you ignore them for too long. In states where the weather changes rapidly, you need to check the roof after every extreme weather situation.
If there has been a severe storm, check the roof right after everything calms down. Pay attention to your roof after it faces a harsh outdoor climate. Whenever you notice any damage or see that there is a leak, speak to professionals who can help tackle it immediately.
Clean the Gutters
The experts at King Roofing Service Inc. state, “One way to increase the lifespan of the roof is to keep the gutters clean.
This might not sound like a big deal but not many homeowners are proactive in it. Most of the time, the gutters are ignored since they are out of sight.
And if you do not keep them clean, it could result in various issues since they can be blocked easily.” Whenever the gutter is blocked due to leaves or debris, water will not flow freely off the roof and away from the home.
It could cause water build up on the roof as well as in front of your home. This could lead to flooding and potential leaks.
Inspect the Roof
It is highly advisable to have the roof inspected by a professional once a year. It will help ensure that any damage is fixed right away and any unknown issues have been identified on time.
There are times when issues on the roof are not easily visible and the damage could go unseen until it becomes too difficult to handle. Hence, when you have a professional handle the roof inspection from time to time, you will ensure that any issues have been identified and they are fixed. It will help the roof last longer.
Trim the Trees
If there are trees with heavy branches hanging on your roof, it could turn into a very dangerous situation for you. The branches could fall and cause immense damage to the roof and the home. This is something you should not be careless about.
To avoid such a situation, it is best to trim the branches hanging over the house or near your windows. Watch out for the small branches, too, as they can fall on the roof and cause a gutter blockage. Anything on your roof should be trimmed regularly.
Check the Attic’s Ventilation
The roof and your attic will work together and help you regulate the temperature in the home. Now, poor ventilation in the attic will cause the roof to gather moisture which can then lead to wood rot or structural issues.
You must ensure that the attic has enough ventilation and allows the excess moisture and heat out. This will avoid moisture buildup and help your roof last longer.
Watch out For the Snow and Ice
Winters can be rough on your home sometimes, and in extreme cold, you need to ensure that you can keep up with the ice and snow that collect on the roof. Watching out for it and tackling it right away will help avoid any damage that can occur.
You need to dislodge the snow that piles on the roof or accumulates in the gutters to avoid damage or leaks to the shingles. Whenever you notice ice dams in the gutter, dislodge them immediately to avoid the water backups in the home.
Remove Mold
Homeowners who have a shaded roof need to be aware that it might retain water in the monsoon. This could lead to mold growth, and the fungi can stain its surface.
It will cause wear and tear sooner than you’d expect. You can speak to a professional to identify the best mold removal technique.
Insulate Well
Inadequate insulation exposes the roof to heat and causes it to age. Hence, remember to keep your home well-ventilated at all times.
Ensure that the air vents work efficiently and do not trap hot air. You can also use insulation material that reflects sunlight and makes your roof last longer.
Replace shingles
The shingles can break or crack due to inadequate installation and exposure to extreme weather. Whenever you notice a faulty or missing shingle, you need to speak to a professional to check the surface and do the necessary repairs.
This will help handle minor issues before they become too big and cause damage. A lot of people only check the roof when they see a leak or a broken shingle. This can be a huge mistake.
Remember to inspect the roof after extreme weather conditions and handle the damage immediately. This will keep the roof repair costs at bay and ensure it lasts longer.
