A roof is vital to the well-being of a home– not only does it keep all of the elements out, but it’s also what traps heat and air conditioning, and makes a home an actual shelter. Though it can be a bit of a hassle to maintain, it’s well worth the effort since a major roof repair could put you out of your home for some time.
We know the importance of saving money and preserving peace of mind, so we’ve compiled a list of five tips to extend the life of your roof and hopefully save time and money for yourself and your family.
5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Roof
Get the most out of your investment and keep your roof in tip-top shape with these tips for extending the life of your roof.
#1. Clean the Gutters
Regular gutter maintenance and cleaning are essential to the health of your home and, in turn, the life expectancy of your roof. Clogged gutters can result in water damage to your foundation and exterior paint, but the adverse effects can also spread to your roof.
Clogged gutters can allow water to seep into the roof, which can breed moisture, mold, and even rot. Though it may seem daunting, make sure you get out there at least once a year and clean those gutters. It will add years to the health and life of your roof.
#2: Remove Leaves From the Surface of the Roof
If you live in a heavily wooded area or around a decent amount of trees, you know that autumn brings some necessary raking with it. Though daunting yet again, this raking shouldn’t be confined just to your yard. A heavy buildup of leaves on a roof is an issue just waiting to worsen.
We recommend brushing or spraying the leaves off with a rake, a leaf blower, or a hose. Leaves act as an insulator and hold in moisture, creating an ideal environment for pesky weeds and mold – neither of which are things you want on your roof.
#3: Trim Overhanging Branches
One of the best ways to extend the life of your roof is to prevent any kind of damage from occurring in the first place. To do this, make sure there are no overhanging branches in the vicinity of your home. Not only can broken limbs and twigs harm your roof, pull up shingles, and create leaks, but overhanging branches provide access for rodents and small animals to get onto your roof and into your home. They can also gnaw on the siding as well as the roof itself.
To deter these critters, ensure all limbs are at least 10 feet from your house. Doing this will also help you avoid leaf buildup on your roof.
#4: Fix Minor Damages AS They Occur
Be sure to fix any damages as they occur – not later! Don’t let problems stack up. After each heavy storm or rainfall, make sure to check your roof for missing shingles, curled-up edges, or signs of any sort of damage.
The quicker you get to minor problems, the less likely they will develop into significant issues. If you stay on top of these damages, your roof will surely live a long and healthy life.
#5: Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Professional Help
It can be hard to admit when it’s time to ask for help with your home, but a professional can spot a potential issue better than the average homeowner and know what course of action to take.
If you follow the tips above, a roof inspection may not be needed as often, but it certainly can’t hurt. Once a year, having a professional inspect your roof will pay dividends and will ensure your roof lives a long, healthy life.
Contact Werner Roofing For Any Roof Project
Extending the life of your roof is a big commitment; we know that. But we think it’s a commitment worth making. If you follow the tips above, you’ll be head and shoulders above other homeowners regarding the health of your roof. And if you do opt for professional help, our trained professionals at Werner Roofing will check your roof for free! Call us at (616) 844-5382 or visit our website to schedule a callback!
