When well maintained, quality roofing can stay intact and serve you for nearly 20 years while looking as good as new. With diligent preventive care, you can maximize the lifespan of your roof while safeguarding the investment in the structure beneath. Here are the five most effective ways to extend the life of your roof through preventive care.
Regular Inspection
Whether you do the inspection yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor, regular roof inspection is a vital preventive care and maintenance component. It helps you identify potential damages before they advance into costly problems. Make it a habit to check your roof twice yearly, most importantly in the fall and spring.
Ensure you inspect your roof after a severe weather occurrence like a storm. During the inspection, pay more attention to damaged, cracked, and missing shingles, sagging areas, signs of water damage, debris accumulation, and loose or damaged flashing. The outcome of the inspection will help you tell whether you will need to explore roof replacement alternatives.
Trim Overgrown Tree Branches
Tree branches and twigs that spread over your roof can pose a threat to the integrity of the roofing system. Small branches, leaves, and twigs can fall on the roof and trap moisture, creating room for decay. The excessive shading from overhanging branches can lead to moist conditions, promoting the growth of moss and algae.
Animals like rodents and squirrels can easily find their way into your attic via the overgrown branches, causing destruction. On the other hand, heavy branches can fall directly on the roof during a storm, physically damaging it. All these show how crucial tree trimming is to the longevity of your roof.
Clean Gutters and Drainage
A well-maintained gutter system helps redirect rainwater away from the house, minimizing water damage to fascia boards, roof, and even home’s foundation. Damaged or blocked gutters can result in water accumulating on the roof, leading to leaks.
You can maintain the gutters by cleaning them twice annually or more regularly if there are several trees nearby the house. Install gutter guards to prevent debris from getting into the gutters and maintain an ideal gutter slope. Clear the downspouts to allow free flowing and repair sagging gutters or leaks promptly.
Prevent Ice Dams
Melted snow in cold climates can refreeze at the edges of the roof, leading to ice dams. As icy pools continue to grow, they hinder water from running off, making it back up under shingles. This can trap moisture that can erode structures and find its way inside, damaging the interior paint.
You can prevent ice dams by insulating the attic and creating proper ventilation. If dams persist, a temporary solution can be raking the snow off to prevent it from melting and refreezing on the roof. You can also install electric heating cables around the roof to warm the gutters and prevent refreezing.
Repair Leaks Quickly
Check your walls and ceiling for water stains and other signs of leaks and address the issue promptly. By ignoring a leak, you create room for mold growth, water damage, and structural issues. It is best to determine the source of the leak and find a permanent solution to avoid repeated occurrences.
You can eliminate costly repairs and extend your roof’s lifespan by enforcing these preventive measures. Take proactive steps today before problems arise to secure and safeguard your property for many years to come.
Comments are closed.