Prolong Your Roof's Life With These Simple Tips

Although most roofs have a lifespan of roughly 15 to 50 years, you can prolong your roof's life with proper care and maintenance. As a result, you avoid recurrent repairs and premature roof replacement, saving time, effort, and money. Also, you attain a return of investment since your roof lasts for decades. Learn five ways to extend your roof's lifespan and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Choose Quality Roofing Materials

Increasing your roof's life starts even before you purchase and install the roof. Your choice of roofing material affects your roof's lifespan significantly. Today, homeowners have numerous options for materials, from asphalt to metal, slate, and wood.

An asphalt shingle roof can serve you for 15–30 years, while a clay tile roof will last 50–100 years. The secret is to choose a material that combines functionality, durability, and a long lifespan. Also, the material should be compatible with your local climate for greater longevity.

Work With a Professional Roofer

Hiring a trained and experienced roofer to handle your roofing needs like installation, maintenance, and repairs goes a long way to enhance your roof’s lifespan, keep it in excellent condition, and save money. For instance, a properly and professionally installed roof will last longer and have fewer problems than a poorly installed one.

Similarly, having a professional inspect your roof regularly is beneficial. They can detect any roofing issues promptly and tackle them before they harm your roof. Also, if your roof needs repairs, a professional knows the best way to handle them and uses high-quality materials.

Take Care of Trees

Trees near your roof can harm it in several ways. First, any overhanging branches can break off on your roof and compromise the roofing materials and structure. Also, these branches can scratch shingles, wearing them off and exposing your roof to the elements.

Second, weak trees can fall on your roof during strong winds or heavy rains, requiring extensive repairs or even a new roof. Thirdly, tree limbs allow animals like squirrels, raccoons, and birds into your roof, where they can damage it and access your home. Avoid tree damage by trimming branches and getting rid of weak and diseased trees near your roof.

Maintain Gutters

Clean and well-maintained gutters increase your roof's lifespan by preventing water damage and keeping the roof in optimal condition. Also, they avoid a host of roofing problems to give you peace of mind and save money.

Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect gutter care, increasing the probability of gutter problems like clogs, rusting, sagging, and leaks and holes. Clogged gutters, for example, create water pools on the roof, leading to leaks and cracks, pest infestation, and mold and algae.

Invest in Proper Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation is a vital but overlooked factor affecting your roof's lifespan. It shields the roof from overheating and condensation that can hurt the roof and necessitate replacement. A poorly ventilated attic confines hot and cold air in the attic, damaging the roofing structure and materials.

During the hot summer months, poor ventilation causes heat to accumulate in the attic, resulting in decking adhesives wearing out and shingles cracking and curling. In winter, moisture from your home makes its way to the attic, promoting condensation. Consequently, your roof's decking may start to swell and sag, and mold thrives.

Although your roof will eventually come to the end of its useful life, you likely want to get the most out of it. Simple maintenance tasks can help you increase your roof's lifespan and save you the hassle and cost of premature roof replacement.

Call Ratliff Enterprises, Inc., for quality roofing installation, maintenance, and repair in Overland Park, KS. Our experienced roofing contractors offer exceptional roofing services so your roof stays beautiful and functional for as long as possible.