Maximizing the lifespan of your roof is not only a money-saving tactic but also a smart investment in your home’s future. Given the substantial costs involved in repairing or replacing a roof, it’s crucial to adopt preventive measures that can prolong its durability. Whether it’s a standard composition shingle roof or a high-end alternative, safeguarding your roof can significantly impact its longevity and save you from untimely expenses. Even if your roof has weathered some years, there are effective strategies to extend the life of your roof before rushing into a costly replacement.
Let’s take a look at some helpful tips.
Key Takeaways
- Gutter Cleaning Importance: Clogged gutters can lead to costly damages; regular cleaning prevents moisture build-up and potential rot.
- Leaf Removal and Preventing Damage: Accumulated leaves trap moisture, causing decay; safe removal methods include soft brushes and leaf blowers.
- Branch and Limb Trimming Significance: Overhanging branches can harm shingles and invite pests; professional trimming or sheet metal wrapping is advised.
- Moss Removal and Prevention: Moss retains water and accelerates wear; eliminate with safe soap solutions and utilize zinc strips to inhibit regrowth.
- Ice and Snow Removal for Protection: Prompt snow and ice removal prevents ice dams; ensure attic insulation and airflow to avoid future problems.
- Regular Inspection for Early Detection: Conduct routine inspections for missing or damaged shingles, and assess areas around vents and chimneys; seek professional help for thorough evaluations.
Gutter Cleaning
Every house has gutters. As such, every house needs gutter cleaning. Why? Well, when the gutters are overflowing with debris, any moisture buildup can get into the material (soffits and fascia) that goes on top of the structure of your roof. Obviously, you don’t want that to happen, because moisture buildup leads to rot. That kind of damage could amount to a high price tag for repairs. Cleaning gutters can be done on your own, if you don’t mind working with heights and ladders, or you can call in a specialist. Search for “roofers near me” or contact RGB Construction.
Leaf Removal
Depending on what kind of roof you have, there is the possibility that leaves are going to accumulate on it, particularly if there are any large trees near the roof line. If leaves pile up on a roof, they will trap moisture and eventually decompose. The problem is that the moisture will saturate the shingles, which can affect the underlayment. So, if you notice leaves in the valleys and gutters of your roof, you need them removed.
Leaf removal is a quick process. You can sweep them away with a soft brush. However, leaf blowers are effective and faster. You can attempt to use one yourself, but you probably want someone experienced with working on rooftops. Leaves can also be washed away with a regular garden hose, but please forgo using a pressure washer as it could cause damage if water is trapped under the shingles.
Branch and Limb Trimming
Because leaves can be so damaging to your roof, it is best to ensure that they don’t accumulate in the first place. Furthermore, overgrown branches from bushes and trees can scrape away the granules on asphalt shingles and tear the membrane on flat roofs. Branches also give VIP roof access to pests and rodents, who may seek a way in.
In order to prevent these things from happening, trim overhanging branches back so they are at least 10 feet away from the roof. If that can’t be done, the tree trunk itself should be wrapped with sheet metal in order to keep rodents from climbing the tree and getting on your roof. Trimming tree branches can be a risky proposition, so it is better to hire a professional, as you don’t want to cause any more damage to yourself and the roof than is necessary.
Moss Removal
If you live in certain regions of the country, moss growth can cause problems with your roof, especially if you have composition or wood shingles. It is critical to remove moss from a roof as it traps water. If you are able to get to moss growth right away, it can be swept off, but when buildup gets beyond the sweeping point, you will have to eliminate the moss through environmentally safe soap products that combine potassium salts and fatty acids, as opposed to zinc sulfate formulas. Only apply the soap formulation where the moss is actually growing. Once the roof is free of moss, think about utilizing zinc strips near the roof top to halt any return. Rain or other runoff that comes in contact with the strips will hinder moss growth.
Ice/Snow Removal
What’s another way to extend the life of your roof? Looking out for ice and snow in the winter. Ice buildup (ice dams) can be another factor that damages and ages a roof. Removing most snow and ice after storms is crucial to prevent water seepage into the underlayment. Any ice should not be pried off once it has taken hold, as that action can damage a roof as well. A roof rake can be used to remove snow that is close to gutters, and a long telescoping pole will allow you to remove some snow from the ground level. If that is not possible, a ladder will have to be used. Just make sure to work on an angle, so any falling snow is clear of you and the ladder.
Another thing to take into consideration with ice dams is whether your attic area has sufficient insulation and protection from air leaks. Once any snowstorms have passed, address any attic issues as soon as possible.
Inspection
When winds or hail have come through your area, or if you hear strange sounds on the roof, always check, look and listen. When you are able, inspect the roof to make sure there is no damage. You want to look for missing, loose or curled shingles. Also, observe any damage around vents, skylights, chimneys and any other roof openings. If you are unable to inspect your roof by climbing a ladder, use binoculars to view what you can. When it appears that real problems may be an issue, ask a roofer for an inspection. You don’t want to incur high repair costs because of overlooking even minor problems.
Extend the Life of Your Roof By Contacting a Roofing Company Like RGB Construction
There you have it: Effective tips to extend the life of your roof. These steps are important. They are something that every homeowner has to consider in order to defray the expense of eventual repairs or replacement. The tips given here are a way to initiate the process, but if you need to speak with someone about the stability of your roof, and live in South Jersey, contact our experts for help. Give us a call at 856-264-9093 or fill out the contact form. RGB Construction is here to assist with roof maintenance, repair, and replacement when you need us.
