How long your roof lasts primarily depends on the type of roofing material used, the installation quality, and weather conditions. A roof’s expected lifespan is 15-100 years.
However, you can extend the lifespan of your roof by scheduling regular maintenance. Simply put, the better maintained your roof, the longer its lifespan. Here’s what to do:
1. Keep Your Roof Clean
Roof structures are prone to damage from moisture retention and rotting due to the collection of dirt and debris. These promote moss development, making your roof visually unappealing and susceptible to collapse.
You can reduce risks by clearing out debris. Call a professional roof cleaning service if you notice substantial discoloration, or at least once a year.
2. Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Gutters collect water from your roof and direct it away from the foundation. If debris clogs the gutters, it can damage your roof, siding, and even your home’s interior.
It’s important to note that mold can grow unnoticed in your gutters and spread throughout your roof. Maintaining your gutters can prevent damage, extending roof life.
3. Trim Your Tree Branches
Trim the branches of trees near your house to ensure they don’t dangle dangerously and touch or fall onto the roof. Branches should be left no closer than 10 feet from your roof to protect it from damage in strong winds, and to stop mold from forming.
Further, leaves, pine cones, fruit, flower petals, and other organic matter from overhanging branches can accumulate in your gutters and cause blockages and disruptions. If you are unsure how to do it securely, hiring a professional is best.
4. Prevent Ice Dams
Accumulations of ice and snow can damage your roof, obstructing water flow and placing additional weight on the structure. Moreover, they bring about shifts in temperature, which can cause stress to your roof and lead to thermal shock.
Always ensure the areas under your roof, eaves and ridges get adequate ventilation before winter. Remove ice dams from your roof with long scrapers and road salts.
5. Improve Your Attic Insulation
Insulating your home has additional benefits besides saving money on your energy bill. Proper home insulation can help extend the life of your roof by preventing hot air buildup, which can then cause shingle deterioration.
When installing insulation, It’s essential to avoid blocking the attic vents when installing insulation. Blocking vents could severely impact your roof’s structural integrity since proper ventilation is crucial to the longevity of your roof.
6. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Another approach to maximize your property’s roof health and extend its lifespan is to have it evaluated. Despite these tips, you might miss minor roof damage indications.
With an extensive background in the field, reliable roofing contractors can quickly assess the condition of your roof and recommend any necessary repairs. You should schedule a routine roof inspection at least twice a year, and following extreme weather.
Conclusion
Your roof’s condition is important in determining its overall health. Things can be done to extend the life of your roof. Some tasks however, are best left to qualified professionals.
If you’re in Metro Detroit and have any concerns regarding your roof, look no further than Northville’s #1 roofing company, Horizon Roofing and Construction. Qualified experts perform A+ work on new roofs and other home improvement services.
Schedule your free roof evaluation to get started on all your roofing needs today!