When you own a home, the little details often go overlooked until they become major problems. One area of your home that can be easily overlooked and underappreciated is your roof. However, neglecting your roof can lead to much bigger problems. According to Roofing Magazine, the average lifespan for a residential roof is about 20 years. However, there are things you can do to extend that lifespan significantly. A well-maintained roof looks great, protects your home from the elements, and reduces maintenance costs over time. Take a look at these five tips on extending your roof’s lifespan to keep your top floor strong for many years.
1: Invest in high-quality materials for your Roof Maintenance.
When it comes to a roof, fiber cement shingles are the best options for longevity. Fiber cement is the standard for residential shingles and has been around since its introduction more than 100 years ago. The primary benefit of fiber cement is that it attaches to its neighboring panels to create a strong link between roof sections. This helps prevent leaks and cracks and protects your home from extreme weather conditions. Because they are made of lightweight material, they can also be installed faster than steel or tile shingles which adds even more value to their longevity properties.
2: Clean your roof bi-annually when it rains heavily.
For a roof to last as long as possible, it is important to keep it free of leaves, bird droppings, and other debris. If these materials are allowed to build up, they can lead to premature roof failures and leaks. The best way to avoid this is by taking care of your roof when it rains heavily or there are times when it is at its peak. During heavy rainstorms, your roof will naturally be under the water for prolonged periods. By keeping your home clean from leaves, you will lock your home’s siding from corrosion and prevent leaks that could be disastrous if not caught in time. If not you, get a local roofer in your area to clean the roof for you.
3: Regularly inspect your roof with a third-party service.
Regular inspections are the best ways to ensure that your roof is built to last. If you do not have some type of inspector come in and check on your roof at least once a year, there could be serious issues you are unaware of. While it might be inconvenient, getting a third-party walk-thru service to inspect your roof is invaluable in ensuring it is well-maintained. By having an outsider look at the quality of your shingles, and the materials used and verify the installation process on your roof, you can easily maximize its lifespan with minimal hassle.
4: Consider replacing or repairing rotted or damaged components to increase your roof’s lifespan.
While a roof can be repaired indefinitely, replacing the damaged or rotted areas is always better before they get worse. This will allow you to catch the problem early enough that you can still save the major components of your roof and prevent leaks. For example, if you notice that your gutters are starting to leak or break apart, you can have them replaced early on before they cause more damage. The more time and money spent on repairs instead of replacements at this stage will save you in the long run because more damage will not have been created.
5: Improve energy efficiency with additional insulation.
If your roof prevents heat and air from circulating in and out of your home, you will be paying for that through higher heating and cooling costs. This can have a serious impact on your overall budget. One way to prevent this is by adding extra insulation to your ceiling. Not only will this help prevent heat loss but also increase the overall efficiency of your home. This is because even though you are getting more insulation added, it will not be expended as much so it will still feel warm when you enter your home.
It is easy to underappreciate the roof over your head until you need to fix it. While a roof has the potential to last anywhere between 20 and 25 years, there are steps you can take to add many more years of protection and value to your current roof. Take the time to find a reputable third-party walk-thru service with experience inspecting residential homes.
Clean regularly during heavy rainstorms. Invest in higher quality materials that will not corrode as soon as your current ones expire, and keep your home clean inside and out for extended longevity properties. Consider regular replacement of damaged or rotted components early enough that you can catch them before they cause larger issues for you down the road.
6. Keep your gutters clean for good roof maintenance.
Keeping gutters free of leaves and other debris is important if you have gutters in your home. Over time, these materials can build up in the gutters and cause the water to back up. This can lead to leaks and a general deterioration of your shingles over time. Keeping your gutters cleaned out consistently will help prevent this problem when it happens.
7. Make sure to complete the preparation process for a longer roof lifespan.
Like any major project, especially with professionals and contractors, it’s wise to read up before you decide to update or install new roofing materials or systems for your home or business. Even if it’s not a large or expensive project, a house that is well built from the start will last longer and be worth more than you think in the long run.
If you are thinking of adding a roof over your head or replacing your current roof, it should be one of the first projects you set aside time to plan for and consider carefully. One of the best ways to do this is by researching online tips to help guide you along the way. Some good resources include:
Conclusion
As you can observe, there are several things you can do to make your roofing installation last longer. This is a big concern, especially if you have invested in your roof and are planning on using it for quite some time.
When choosing materials, it is always a good idea to look at the actual warranty provided and compare it against the average life expectancy of a roof. This will give you an idea of how well your new roof will withstand the test of time.
By providing regular maintenance for your roof, you help extend its lifespan and monitor issues before they become more serious about avoiding large and costly problems down the road.
