Your roof’s aesthetic beauty and structural stability are essential to the integrity of your home. And with proper maintenance, you can substantially extend the lifespan of your roof while also reducing long-term costs associated with frequent repairs or replacements. Are you looking for the best ways to maintain and extend your roof’s lifespan? In the article, East Penn Roofing will share some easy maintenance tips to help you get started.
Roofs: How Long Do They Last?
Roof longevity is affected by a number of factors:
-The roofing material
-The type of roof
-The quality of roof maintenance
Here are some roof types and their expected lifespan:
Asphalt Shingles
On average, you’ll expect an asphalt shingle roof to last between 15 and 20 years. However, the type of shingles you use will influence your roof’s lifespan. For instance, three-tab shingles can go up to 20 years, while Architectural shingles can last up to 25 years.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs have a longer life expectancy than asphalt shingles. However, the type of metal used on your roof will influence the lifespan. Two common metals used on roofs are steel and aluminum. A steel roof is known to last up to 40 years, while aluminum can last up to 50 years.
Keep Gutters Clean
Your roof’s gutters play an important role in diverting rainwater away from your roof. So, you need to keep them clean so they can efficiently channel away rainwater after storms or water from snow meltdowns.
Unfortunately, your roof’s gutters accumulate a lot of fallen leaves, debris, and other buildups over time, which can clog it. When this happens, rainwater may fail to flow away from the roof, causing water to pool on the roof’s surface. This can lead to water damage and, eventually, premature roof failure.
You can clean your gutters by regularly brushing away accumulated debris from their surfaces. If possible, install gutter covers to reduce the amount of debris that gets into your gutters.
A Roof Inspection Is Essential
It’s easy to spot roof defects like a fallen shingle. However, you’ll need a trained eye to detect hidden issues, such as water leakage or structural damage, that could develop into major roof problems later. The best way to detect these hidden issues is to engage a roofing professional to inspect your roof periodically.
Roofing experts generally recommend that you have your roof inspected annually or biannually. During the inspection, they’ll check your roof for signs of disrepair, such as leaks, loose flashing, damage caused by strong winds, etc.
Trim the Tree Branches
Having trees around your house creates an atmosphere of serenity and beauty. However, their branches can become a serious menace to your roof. Strong winds and age can make overhanging tree branches break off and fall on your roof, resulting in expensive repairs and weakening your roof’s structure.
To prevent this from happening, you should regularly trim the overhanging tree branches that come close to your roof. It may be some extra work, but it can save you from costly roof damage. Remember, always put your safety first. If you have no experience doing this type of work, the wisest option is to engage a professional.
Keep the Roof Clean
Exposure to the elements and debris from trees makes your roof conducive to fungi, mold, and moss growth. Unfortunately, these organisms will degrade your roof’s appearance and strength.
To keep your roof looking good while maintaining its strength, you should regularly clean it. A gentle detergent and a scrub brush are all you need to clear your roof of moss and dirt. You can also hire a professional to handle the task for you.
Invest in Home Insulation
Besides helping to regulate your home’s indoor temperatures, insulation also helps prevent an increase in warm air which can cause your roof to deteriorate. So, always ensure that the attic venting system is running smoothly.
Maintaining your roof is critical to ensuring it serves you for the longest time possible. By following the tips outlined above, such as keeping the gutters clean, having regular inspections, trimming tree branches, and cleaning up dirt and debris from the roof surface regularly, you can extend your roof’s lifespan and save yourself from costly repairs or replacements. So get started today. You’ll be glad you did!
