Selecting a roof is an important decision for all home and business owners. And, once the right, strong roof is installed, you will want to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
To ensure proper roof care, always hire a skilled technician familiar with the most sound roof systems who will get the job done right. Choosing an experienced, competent company, whether you are focused on routine maintenance or need a complete replacement, is the first line of defense in extending the life of your roof.
Here are five additional ways you can make sure your roof lasts for many years to come:
1. Repair Leaks and Damage Promptly
A roof leak is a major inconvenience and if it’s not taken care of right away, it can cause major damage to the external and internal structures of your home. Once you see the symptoms of a leaky roof, try to determine its cause before attempting any solutions.
An aged roof is more likely to have damage and leaky issues as roofing material weakens over time. Harsh weather conditions and exposure to sunlight will also lead to the deterioration of your roof. Overtime, this makes it more vulnerable to water getting in and causing damage. Unfortunately, leaks can easily go undetected, which is why regular roof inspections by an expert is recommended during seasonal maintenance work.
If you do notice a leak, this is also the ideal time to call for help rather than taking on a DIY project, especially if your roof may be under warranty as your interference could void this contract.
2. Keep the Roof and Gutters Free of Debris
You may not realize, but clogged gutters can cause your roof to leak. If your gutters are not regularly maintained, leaves and debris can build up and prevent rainwater from properly draining. When the water sits still and piles up in the gutter, it can pull the bottom edge of the roof down, causing a slow deterioration. Or, the water might seep in between the roof tiles, where mold can grow, leading to at least a partial roof replacement.
For this reason, at a minimum, you should regularly clean your gutters. This deep clean should occur at least twice per year; each spring and fall. If there is a lot of debris or simply a task you do not want to take on yourself, reach out to your local roofing professionals to get the job done.
Cleaning gutters on a regular schedule will keep your roof safe from potential internal and external damage.
3. Trim Nearby Branches
Trees around your home can really contribute a beautiful view and even add value to your property. However, in time, branches may start to hang over your home and branches too close to the roof can be a threat to the roof’s condition.
Branches that scrape on roof shingles can strip off asphalt. Also, if they are leaning over the roofline, leaves will fall onto the shingles or gutter and create opportunities for mold to grow and gutters to clog. If a tree is large enough, a storm may also cause branches, or even the entire tree, to fall onto you home.
While trees provide excellent shade and value to your property, you have to properly maintain them and make sure that there are no threats to your roof and safety of those in your home. If you notice your tree branches encroaching, it’s recommended you contact a local tree company to address the issue in order to prevent damage and injury.
4. Look for Signs of Animal or Insect Damage
Animals and insects often find a safe haven in roof spaces of a home. Unfortunately, these visitors can do some real damage to a roof without you even realizing.
A home exterior should be properly sealed to prevent animals and insects from making their way inside. Some animals or insects to look out for are bees, bats, squirrels, raccoons, and rats. These animals can cause problems to the roof, attic, and electrical wiring of the structure.
Be sure to check regularly for signs of trouble such as gaps or missing pieces of wood, openings in the wall claddings/sidings, ajar gable vents and windows, openings at the ridge vent, and open chimneys. For some of these you may need a ladder to investigate a potential issue, so if you are uncomfortable doing so, hire someone skilled in sound roofing systems to perform your maintenance checks.
Additional signs of infestation include: scurrying sounds, signs of gnawing on wood or electrical wires, smells, signs of urination, and hives. Always be aware of these signs to clear the area from unwanted animals and insects if you want to extend the life of your roof.
5. Get a Regular Roof Inspection
Schedule a regular inspection at least once per year with a professional who will clean your roof and gutters and ensure the health and quality of your roof. This professional will look for any signs of deterioration, clogs, mold, and even examine your vents, as well as look for signs of leaks or other damage as the most experienced roof repair team knows that catching problems early is the key to extending the life of your roof. A skilled professional will be able to see signs of damage and take the right steps to identify and rectify any issues so that your roof lasts for as long as possible.
Replacing a roof can be quite costly, so make sure to take the proper steps and you will have a quality roof above your head for many years to come.
If you live in the Vancouver or Portland area, we have over 40 years of experience and guarantee excellent quality, value, and service. Reach out today for an estimate or additional information.