Roof repairs and maintenance, and roof replacements can be very costly, but the good news is that there are plenty of things that you can do in order to ensure that your roof lasts for the longest possible time. A new roof is an expensive investment costing thousands of dollars, and once you’ve paid out that kind of money, you’ll want to make sure that the investment lasts as long as possible. But, even if your roof is years old, good maintenance will ensure longevity and keep it in good condition to help you avoid replacing it prematurely. Here’s what you can do to get the most from your roof.
Keep the Gutters Clean
For a more in-depth explanation, you can check this post from Advantage Construction – How to maintain your roof against the elements, but keeping the gutters clean and debris-free is a great start. Ruined paint on the siding and a wet basement are some typical problems that you’ll deal with if you have clogged gutters, but you may not know that the overflow can also travel upward. When leaves and debris are piled too deeply in the gutters, the water can wick into the roof sheathing and lead to rot. And, fixing that kind of damage can be hugely expensive, but you can avoid that expense by giving your gutters a thorough cleaning each spring and fall.
Remove Leaves
If you aren’t surrounded by a lot of trees or have a simple peaked roof, then any leaves probably blow away on their own. However, if you have a more complicated roof or are surrounded by towering trees, piles are likely to collect near chimneys or in roof valleys. And if they aren’t removed, they’ll trap moisture and decompose over time, allowing more moisture to accumulate in your roof or even create a fertile environment for unsightly weeds to grow. You can use a special tool like a roof leaf rake or get a pro to go up on your roof and use a leaf blower.
Prevent Ice Damns
If ice buildup on the roof is a common problem for you during the colder weather, removing some or all of the snow between storms can help keep your roof protected against the elements and prevent leaks into your home. Avoid trying to pry off any ice that has already formed since this can cause damage to the roof. Instead, use a roof rake to dislodge any snow with 3-4 feet of the gutters. Any air leaks into your attic or inadequate insulation can also increase the risk of ice dams, so it’s worth addressing these issues too.
Be Alert
If there has been windy weather or a hail storm, or if you’ve heard scurrying coming from the roof at night, it’s important to be alert to whatever is going on up on your roof. Give your roof regular checks to make sure that everything is still intact; look for any loose, curling or missing shingles and keep an eye out for damaged flashing around chimneys, vents and other openings. Get a roofer to check sooner rather than later if anything seems amiss.
Keeping your roof clean from snow, leaves and other debris along with regularly checking it for issues and having them deal with quickly will ensure that your roof lasts for as long as possible.