9 Maintenance Tips to Make Your Roof Last Longer

One of the most gratifying feelings of being a home owner is that you get to come home with a roof over your head. However, knowing that you will have to eventually replace that roof can be very daunting. According to the 2014 Cost VS Value Report, the average roof replacement costs can cost as high as $ 34, 500. Therefore, it’s not surprising that people want their current roof last as long as possible. Fortunately, getting a roof to last can be easy with proper care. If you follow the right maintenance routine, you can get your roof to last for many years to come.

Inspect Shingles

Inspect the shingles once every few months to make sure the shingles are in good condition. Check after heavy storms that have high winds or flying debris. Cracked shingles or shingles that have started to lift at the corners should be repaired as soon as possible.

Keep an Eye Out for Leaks

Check for leaks in the spring and fall, and keep an eye out for strong storms. It’s important to catch leaks before they become major problems. Go into the attic and look for water lines or streaks. They will commonly appear around seams or in areas of the roof that have sustained some type of damage.

Clean the Gutters

Cleaning the gutters will prevent debris from collecting along the edges of the roof, weakening the shingles and causing them to crack or break. If gutters collect excessive amounts of debris, moisture may collect near the edges of the roof and work its way under the shingles, causing water damage and leaks.

Remove any Debris

Remove any debris that may find its way on to the roof after a storm or high winds. Large sticks and other types of debris can damage the shingles causing them to crack or split. Even small pieces of debris can cause damage if allowed to remain in corners and seams.

Make Minor Repairs as Needed

Make repairs as they are needed to prevent shingles from lifting or becoming more severely damaged. Catching problems early is the safest way to keep your roof in the best condition possible.

Keep an Active Maintenance Routine

Roof maintenance should take place at least two times during a year, preferably at the beginning of fall and also at the beginning of spring. This is done to ensure that the moisture can easily travel away from the roof and there’s no damage done to the roof due to winter storms and heavy summer rains.

Invest in Preventative Measures

A little bit of preventative care right now can help you avoid the replacement of the entire structure later on. Begin with the attic by ensuring that it has suitable insulation. This will help keep your home temperature stable, thereby preventing the water vapour from collecting on the underside of the roof and also save you heating or cooling costs.

After insulation, work on the ventilation. Proper ventilation will help prevent building up of water vapour and won’t allow moisture to damage the roof’s sheathing and rafters. Good ventilation will also help prevent water vapour build-up and keep moisture from damaging the roof’s sheathing and rafters.

Also, cut any overhanging tree limbs, if any

Catch Roof Problems Early

Here are a few things you should try and keep an eye out for:

• Any appearance of sagging or leaning
• Obvious patches and cracks
• Torn, cracked, or missing shingles
• Damage or loose material around your chimneys, vents, and pipes
• Lots of visible shingle granules (These look like sand.)
• Detached gutters and downspouts
• A large accumulation of debris
• Algae growth
• Wet spots on the ceiling

Hire an Experienced Roofing Professional

When it comes to your roofing requirements, you are best advised to always hire a professional. DIY on a roof is not only a safety hazard, but if you aren’t sure of what you are doing, you may end up doing more harm than good to the roof structure.

To find a professional roofer, ask your friends for some recommendations; you may also go through online reviews. Thereafter, based on your selection, you can interview a few. Finally, select one whom you can trust.

Develop a good working relationship with your roofer by paying bills on time and ask them to inspect your roof at least once a year. With their experienced set of eyes, they can identify any potential problems and fix them if needed.

Also Read: 8 Roof Care Tips to Keep It Safe During Summers

About Applied Roofing Services

Applied Roofing Services is a full service roofing company located in CA. We offer durable and high quality residential and commercial flat roofing. We provide roof installation as well as roof repair services, roof maintenance and inspection services. We specialize in low slope roofs, energy efficient, zero maintenance, and green roofing. We have 20+ years of experience in the roofing industry.

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