The average roof lifespan is about 15 to 30 years, depending on the material. However, there are many things that you can do to increase the lifespan of your roof.
Proper roof maintenance can add years to the lifespan of your roof, as long as it is done correctly.
Do you want to learn more about how roof maintenance can help you extend the lifespan of your roof? Keep reading this article for the top tips about roof maintenance to follow to save money on repairs!
1. Get Regular Inspections
One of the easiest ways to maintain your roof is by getting regular inspections (see https://www.brownboysroofing.com/service-area/bella-vista/ for more info on roof inspections). This should be done a few times throughout the year and can be used to identify any issues with your roof.
If you have a shingle roof, you should look for signs of wear and tear. This includes cracking, loose or missing shingles, or shingles that are beginning to fall apart. For flat roofing, you can look for signs of ponding, wind damage, and sun damage.
Many professional roofing companies provide free inspections for your roof, so you can hire a professional to do this for you! They know how to recognize potential signs of damage and can help you identify them before they cause worse damage to your roof.
2. Clear Debris and Low Hanging Branches
Keeping your roof clear of debris and low-hanging branches is another important part of roof maintenance for homeowners and commercial building owners. If there are any trees near your building, they will likely drop different types of debris on your roof.
This includes leaves, branches, seeds, and more! While this may not seem like an issue, this debris can begin to block your roof drainage systems and cause water to pool on your roof. This can lead to ponding and other types of water damage.
Tree branches can also be dangerous, especially during a storm. They can break off the tree and cause damage to your roof. It is best to keep branches trimmed and away from your roof to protect your building.
3. Check for Good Ventilation
Good ventilation is another vital part of roof maintenance. If your ventilation isn’t working, it can lead to warm and humid air, which causes mold and mildew growth. Often, you can spot the signs of poor ventilation in your attic.
If your attic is blocked by insulation or storage, it may not get enough airflow and can start overheating.
You can also inspect your soffits. Soffits protect your rafters from the elements, which reduces the chance of mold, and pests, and protects your materials. If your soffits are clogged with debris, it can cause problems with your ventilation.
With poor ventilation, your roof may have too much condensation, which can result in rot. If you notice any issues with your ventilation, it is best to hire a professional company to come and inspect it.
4. Inspect Roof Penetrations
Another thing you should do to maintain your roof is inspected all penetrations into your roof. While roofs cover the rest of your property, most roofs will have vents, chimneys, and even plumbing coming out of them.
Although these penetrations should be sealed, they often cause leaks. This is especially true if they are not installed correctly, if they have damaged parts, or if the sealants have deteriorated over time.
By checking these roof penetrations, you can ensure they are properly sealed to prevent leaks!
5. Remove Moss and Other Growth
Often, roofs can grow things like moss, mold, and mildew. This happens when your roof is shaded and unable to dry completely. Moss can take over your roof very quickly and retains moisture, leading to mold and bacteria growth and can cause your roof to rot.
If you see moss growing on your roof, you must remove it as soon as possible. It begins to grow more rapidly during the fall and winter months.
To be safe, hiring a professional roofing company is best to remove the moss from your roof. This way, they will not cause any damage to your roofing materials!
6. Seal Any Openings
As was mentioned before, you should regularly inspect any openings on your roof. This includes areas around vents, chimneys, electrical work, and more. Over time, the caulking around these openings can deteriorate, which leaves the cracks in your roof more vulnerable.
Plus, it is easy for bugs and pests to get into openings that are not properly sealed.
To keep your roof well-maintained, you must seal these openings with new caulking every few years.
7. Hire a Professional Company for Repairs
Finally, you need to hire a professional company for repairs! Whether you have a commercial property in Texas or need home roof repair in Boise, ID, a local professional company will ensure that it is done correctly.
This can prevent many other severe issues from attempting a DIY roof repair. Plus, roofing companies provide insurance and warranties that will longer protect your roof!
If you want to learn more about the best roof maintenance ideas, hiring a professional roofing company can make this easier! They can give you roofing advice to help maintain your roof and extend its lifespan.
Need Help With Roof Maintenance?
Roof maintenance is essential for property owners, whether in your home or a commercial building. Proper maintenance will help you protect your investment for longer and save money on costly repairs!
By following these roof maintenance tips, you can protect your roof and keep it looking new for longer!
Do you need more roof maintenance advice? We can help! Our articles feature expert advice on real estate and home maintenance and can help you maintain your roof.
Check out our website today to learn more about property maintenance.
