How to Prolong the Life of Your Roof
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By PAGE Editor
The average roof lasts for 25-30 years before you need a replacement. This is a solid lifespan for a roof, giving you several decades without major roofing-related expenses.
However, many homeowners need to replace their roofs prematurely. External factors, such as storm damage, but also normal wear and tear and neglect, can reduce the life of your roof and cause premature damage.
Nobody wants to go to the expense and hassle of replacing a roof before they have to. Here are a few steps you can take to prolong the life of your roof.
Wash Your Roof
Not many people think about washing their roof. After all, nobody can see if it’s dirty, and it gets cleaned off when it rains.
If you think this way as well, you’re missing out on an important technique for protecting your roof. Washing your roof gets rid of dirt buildup, which clogs gutters and shingles and doesn’t get removed with rain. A thorough wash will also get rid of mold and algae. These materials damage the structural integrity of your roof as they grow, eventually causing leaks.
You should wash your roof every few years. The professionals at Summit Roofing & Restoration recommend getting your roof cleaned every 2-3 years. The professional roofers you consult with can advise you on the best cleaning method based on the roofing materials you have.
Putting some effort into maintaining your roof every few years, such as washing off build-up, can prolong its life and save you from having to replace the entire thing.
Get Regular Roof Inspections
Another piece of maintenance that you can do to extend the lifespan of your roof is to get regular inspections from professional roofers.
Inspections help you catch problem areas in time. Then, you can hire a roofer to conduct spot repairs or replace any damaged shingles. By containing the damage in time, you stop it from affecting the entire roof and requiring early replacement.
Regular inspections every 2-3 years help you notice potential damage in a timely manner. If you live in an area with strong storms that cause significant roofing damage, opt for more frequent annual inspections.
Clean Your Gutters
Another regular maintenance task that prolongs the lifespan of your roof is cleaning your gutters, which you should do annually.
Clogged gutters mean that rainwater will pool on your roof instead of flowing away, causing leaks to develop. Gutters also create pools of standing water when they aren’t cleaned properly, increasing the frequency of mold and algae.
Add a Coating (If Your Roof Can Have One)
One way you can prolong the lifespan of your roof is to add a coating. Coatings are protective layers that go over your normal roofing material. They provide an extra barrier against UV damage, rain, snow, ice, and other environmental factors that damage the lifespan of the average roof.
However, keep in mind that a coating is not the right solution for every roof. Coatings don’t stick well to shingles or to very pitched roofs. They work best on flat roofs, which need the extra protection since they are extra exposed to the elements.
Pay Attention to Your Landscaping
The maintenance that you do around your house can also affect the lifespan of your roof. Pay particular attention to any trees that are close to your house. Poor landscaping can cause premature roof damage. All it takes is one falling branch or a strong wind pushing a rotten trunk, and you’re looking at an unexpected roof replacement project.
Trim all tree branches that are hanging over your roof. Even if a tree is sturdy, a strong storm could cause that branch to break and fall directly on your house, causing significant roof damage. Branches that are too close to your roof also drop leaves and twigs into your gutters, clogging them.
Check the health of all of the trees that are growing close to your home. If you notice a rotten tree, call a removal service to cut it down safely before it can fall and damage your property.
Extending the Life of Your Roof
With some additional care, your roof can live to its full lifespan of several decades or even longer. Take care of the trees surrounding your house, regularly clean your gutters, and consider adding a protective coating depending on the type of roof you have.
Professional roofers can help you maintain your roof with regular washing and inspection services. By investing your time and money in these services in the short term, you put off the expense of a roof replacement in the long term.
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