Whether you’re a brand-new homeowner or a seasoned professional, you know how expensive a new roof installation can be. Investing in a roof is certainly not as fun as buying a new painting for your living room, or going on a shopping spree, however, that’s exactly what it is: an investment. To keep your roof operating at its best and living up to its lifespan, you need to follow a proper maintenance routine. You wouldn’t want this majorly important, beautiful, and expensive investment to go to waste, right?
Again, we know this isn’t as fun as other household duties, but it’s necessary! Plus, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably looking for some roof maintenance tips. The experts at RoofCrafters are roof maintenance gurus. For over 29 years, we’ve been conducting professional maintenance with homeowners and guiding them through the proper maintenance they’re in charge of in the meantime.
So, if you’re looking for some tips and tricks for extending your roof’s lifespan to get the most out of your investment, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be providing you with 5 simple ways you can make your roof last, paying special attention to keeping gutters clean, limiting debris, sealing flashings, ventilation, and avoiding drain pipe discharge on your roof.
So, let’s jump right in.
The Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning
Gutters are made and designed to collect the water that runs off your roof while directing it away from your foundation. Keeping your gutters clean is especially important because when and if they become clogged, water and debris can potentially back up and enter your roofing material, the siding of your home, and even its interior.
Does any of that appeal to you? No? We didn’t think so! Keeping your gutters clean is of the utmost importance to extending your roof’s lifespan. When extra water collects on your roof, it ages it and breaks down its materials. So, if you notice your gutters have collected more debris than usual lately, go ahead and clean them out to keep the water flowing freely.
Combatting Moss Growth for Roof Health
You wouldn’t think that something as natural and lightweight as moss would affect the longevity of your roof, but it absolutely can. Depending on your region, some roofs can have more moss growth than others.
Certainly, if your house is near or under a lot of trees and has a wet or tropical climate, you’re at risk for abundant moss growth. I’m talking to you, Florida!
Okay, what’s so bad about moss? Moss is kind of like a sponge in the sense that it absorbs water. If you have moss on your roof, it’s collecting water every time it rains and in turn, weighing down your roof and affecting its infrastructure. Not to mention, this can severely damage your shingles and other roofing materials.
Like your gutters, make sure your roof is clean from any dangerous moss or other green things growing on it (talking to you again, Florida), to help your roof live up to its average life expectancy.
The Dangers of Debris and Low-Hanging Branches
Like moss, any sort of debris that has made its home on your roof is not good. I mean, it’s not like it even pays rent, anyway. So kick it to the curb! Remove that nasty debris at least every 6 months, if not more depending on the vegetation in your area.
Some homeowners choose to use a leaf blower for this job, but if you don’t feel comfortable, go ahead and reach out to a local reputable roofing company.
As if debris wasn’t bad enough, low-hanging tree branches are arguably worse. When tree branches rub against the top of your roof, they can damage your shingles and other materials beyond roof repair. Be sure to trim those branches; Doing so will help to extend the lifespan of your roof.
Make sure to trim these branches as often as necessary so that they can’t affect your roofing material. Keep them away from your gutters and siding as well. We know, it’s tedious. While your roof may have been a great defense against the elements when it was newly installed, as it ages, it becomes more vulnerable.
Ensuring the Integrity of Your Roof with Flashing Inspections
Usually, you can see your flashings from a second-story window. If not, pick a vantage point where you can easily view it. If your flashing appears to be dented, rusted, or even rotting, you need to contact a professional roofing contractor. They’ll come out and do an inspection and come up with a repair or replacement plan.
The little things matter. Your flashing prevents leaks and moisture from entering your home. Be sure to check on it from time to time to ensure that it’s in good condition, and is continuing to keep your roof operating at its best.
The Critical Role of Proper Ventilation in Roof Maintenance
Making sure your vents are working properly is very important to extending the lifespan of your roof. If you have a sneaking suspicion that your ventilation system isn’t up to par, contact a reputable roofing company.
A dead giveaway of a poorly running vent system is warm, humid attic air usually accompanied by mold and mildew.
To ensure your intake and exhaust vents are working properly, take the following precautions:
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- Inspect your attic. Make sure the airflow in your attic is not being blocked by insulation, storage, or pests. Don’t forget the pathway up to the exhaust.
- Inspect your soffits. Be sure that your soffit screens are free of debris.
- Contact a professional. If your vents are clogged, be sure to contact a professional to alleviate further damage, and of course, extend the lifespan of your roof.
- Inspect your attic. Make sure the airflow in your attic is not being blocked by insulation, storage, or pests. Don’t forget the pathway up to the exhaust.
Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Roof?
Yes, you absolutely can maintain your roof to extend its lifespan. Everyone should! Your roof is one of, if not the most, important components of your home. It protects you, your family, and your precious belongings from the elements. Whether you want to or not, you need to take care of your roof. If you don’t, you’ll be dishing out some serious cash on a new roof prematurely.
In this article, we’ve given you 5 great tips for maintaining your roof for longevity. Now, you know how to keep your gutters clean, limit moss growth, clear debris, inspect your flashings, and ensure ventilation systems are running at their best. You’ve been given our 5 best tips, so put don’t be shy and put them to use! For a deeper dive into roof maintenance, we recommend you read our article, "Roof Maintenance Tips".
Even though you're a roof maintenance guru now, you still need to keep up with your yearly professional maintenance inspections. If you’re due for your yearly check-up, schedule an inspection with RoofCrafters, today, and an eager professional will set up a meeting with you before you know it.
