What are five words no homeowner ever wants to hear?
You need a new roof.
Replacing a roof is a huge undertaking. It’s expensive and it’s inconvenient. So how do you avoid having to replace your roof for as long as possible? Let’s look at a few ways to extend the life of your roof in order to get the most out of it.
Keep Gutters Clean
When gutters get too clogged with leaves and debris, water can move upward, wicking into roof sheathing and/or rafters and rot them. Sounds scary, right? Don’t worry. This is fully preventable if you keep your gutters cleaned out. Think about installing gutter guards if you’re unable to clean the gutters as often as you should.
Remove Leaves From Roof
If leaves, moss, or other debris tend to collect on the surface of your roof, it’s important to remove them every so often. Piles of leaves left on a roof can accumulate moisture and decompose. This leads to water accumulation in the roof as well. When you notice leaves piling up on your rooftop, you can use a telescoping pole and brush, or break out your trusty broom and ladder if you’re comfortable with it. Otherwise, call a professional to help.
Trim Trees
Trimming any branches that hang over your roof will help keep leaves, moss, and limbs from piling up in the first place. Low-hanging limbs that scrape against shingles repetitively can cause damage over time; or worse, when a tropical storm or hurricane blows through, heavier branches could cause major roof damage. It’s best—and safest—to call in the pros to remove branches that hover over your roof.
Keep a Sharp Eye Out
Give your roof the once-over every now and then to make sure it’s in good condition. This is especially important after a storm. Look for loose, damaged, or missing shingles. Check for damaged flashing around chimneys, skylights, or vents. If you see any of these signs, you might want to call your local roofer for a quick inspection. It could be a minor fix, or you could let it sit for a while and end up having to pay a lot more later on.
Get Regular Inspections
As a matter of fact, it’s a great idea to have your roof inspected regularly. Sometimes warning signs are visible to the untrained eye and need professional care. Having regular roof inspections means you’ll have a lower maintenance bill, and your roof will have a longer life.
