A new roof is one of the most expensive investments you can make in the safety, health, and security of your home. As much as you might wish that they did, roofs don’t last forever, so it’s an inevitable truth that all roofs will need to be replaced eventually. Most roofs, properly installed and maintained, which don’t fall victim to lightning strikes, tornados, hurricanes, or falling trees, can last 20 years or more. Many times, homeowners have a tendency to replace their roof and then more or less ignore it until a decade or more down the line when small problems start to crop up. But there’s a better way to protect your investment and extend the life or your roof. And you’ll be glad to know that many of these actions are relatively small and cost-effective things you can do to help prolong your roof’s lifespan — some of them are even DIY tasks!
Bi-Annual Inspections
We’ll just go ahead and start off with the piece of advice that no one wants to hear — you should have your roof inspected twice a year. (Yep, we said twice per year — as often as you are definitely going to the dentist, right?) A regular roof inspection can identify small problems and issues early, before they require expensive repairs. Also, in having a regular (we’ll settle for once a year) roof inspection, you’re building a relationship of trust with your local roofer, which will allow you to confidently rely on them for answers to your bigger questions when they come up in your roof’s future.
Gutters
One of the easiest and almost entirely free things you can do for the benefit and longevity of your roof is to clean your gutters at least once per year. Blocked up gutters can cause water to run down your walls or to push water or ice up under your roof, which can gradually rot the materials away from underneath. If you could pick ONE THING to do to benefit your roof (and your foundation, and your exterior walls, and your landscaping) it is cleaning your gutters. Take a Saturday (preferably in the late fall or early autumn, but any time of year is better than no time of year) and get it done.
Care for Trees Around Your Home
Most homes are lucky enough to have roofs that last about 20 years, safely and happily, until some kind of gradual wear and tear eventually requires repair or replacement. But if that isn’t the track of your roof’s life, a nearby tree is probably going to be the culprit. Whether from overhanging branches, or a large tree that actually falls onto your roof, make sure that the trees in the vicinity of your home are healthy, trimmed, and maintained. Your roof will thank you.
Keep it Clear
If any type of debris, branches, leaves, etc., do make their way onto your roof, be sure to clear them off regularly. It ensures that no further damage is done, and prevents water from collecting and pooling again and again in the same spots, which can lead to damage over time.
Keep it Clean
Check your roof regularly for moss and algae. These are only going to grow in spots that are already wet, so if you notice moss or algae growth, it’s good to point it out at your twice-yearly roof inspection (right?) or to call in a pro to have them look to make sure these growths aren’t a symptom of a bigger problem. But these things should also be removed for their own sake, so they don’t cause further issues.
Keep the Air Moving
Proper air flow in your attic and under your roof help to prevent the buildup of heat and moisture, which can keep the underside of your roofing material in great shape. Both insulation and airflow are needed for a healthy roof.
Make Small Repairs
Make sure you don’t ever take a “wait and see” approach with your roof. Roofs don’t heal themselves — if there’s a problem, it’s not going to get better on its own. Have a professional out to look at any issues, even if they don’t seem like a big deal, because it’s so much easier and cheaper to address small problems before they’ve become big ones.
Maintaining these aspects of your roof will help your roof to last to its anticipated lifespan and possibly even beyond. Building a trusted partnership with a local roofing company with a great reputation is a great way to ensure that these little investments of time and money can make sure you can put off the bigger investments (such as roof replacement) in the future. Call us today at Harper Siding and Roofing if you have any questions, or to schedule your next roof inspection.