The lifespan of your house roof is something you should not be worried about. As it is the first line of defense against the harsh climates, the roof must be in its best shape to protect you. It also affects the curb appeal of your house.
If you don’t want yourself worried about your roof, your best bet is to keep up with maintenance schedules. Roof experts suggest that proper maintenance can add some years to the average life span of every type of roofing system.
Maintenance becomes a crucial factor when you put your house for sale. While different roofing materials have different life spans, the following 5 ways work well to extend the life of your residential roofing.
1. Take Care Of Roof Gutters
The biggest enemy of your house roof is water. Every roof design has gutters and downspouts to take the excess water away from the building. Make sure the gutters have efficient designs to protect your roof against water damages. Even the newly installed roofs get severe damages if the gutter is not designed by a professional.
Keeping a maintenance schedule for your roof gutters is paramount for roof safety. Keep the gutters debris free. If you live in an area with extreme climates, taking care of gutters is quite challenging. Rake out the leaves, debris, and loose granules from the gutters to allow water movement. As the roof gets older, the amount of loose granules increases in the gutters. If you find your gutters clogged too often, replace the roof shingles.
Most of the homeowners install gutter guards to keep them clean and running. Inspect the gutters and downspouts for any leaks and repair them right away. You can also hire professionals for gutter cleaning in Balaclava.
2. Keep Your Trees Well-Trimmed
The trees in your yards may be affecting the structural integrity of your roof. A lot of homeowners never think about the effect of tree branches on the roof. Trimming your trees is an important step to protect your roof against premature aging.
The heavy branches swaying over the roof can knock out shingles especially during heavy storms. Constant rubbing of the branches against the roof also makes it vulnerable to damage. The skylights, chimneys, and flashing should not come in contact with branches.
There is another hidden danger lurking within the tree branches. Yeah, you guess it right, the pests. The critters use these branches as a bridge to your roof and make it a breeding ground. Cutting down the nearest branches protects you against the damages caused by pests.
3. Protect Your Roof From Water Leaks
Gutters play a vital role in protecting your roof against water damages, but some other factors need your attention. Missing or broken shingles can also provide an entryway to rainwater.
If you are lucky, you will be able to spot the damages in their earlier stage. In worst cases, water seeps into the underlayment and silently ruins the roof integrity.
Water leaks lead to interior paint damages and may reach the house foundation. Mold growth is one of the biggest concerns. Mold or mildew can grow because of high humidity levels, water leaks, or attic condensation.
As soon as you see a sign of water leakage, hire a reliable roofing contractor for repairs. Keep your roof clean as the debris absorbs water and reduces the life of your roof.
4. Keep An Eye Out For Pest Infestation
If you want to enjoy the safety of your roofing system for a long time, you have to keep an eye for pest infestation. Visit your attic for signs of animal activity or pest infestation. You might not be aware that rats, mice, and raccoons love the warmth of your attic. Search for droppings, spots, burrow holes, and conspicuous smells in the attic.
The pest infestation not only compromises the strength of the roofing system but also pollute your house air. The critters can find a way to other parts of your house and take over your peace of mind. The best approach is to find professional extermination services in McKinney TX. Once your roof is clear of pests, hire a roof inspector to assess the condition of the roofing system. You may need immediate repairs or replacements.
5. Schedule Professional Inspections
Roof experts suggest scheduling roof inspections every spring and autumn season. Hire the best roof inspectors in your area to fix the roof problems before they get worse. It is highly recommended to inspect your roof for any visible damages after every major storm. The gutter installation professionals at Pacific gutter glossary are highly trained, and courteous, and provide the best solutions for your home.
Walk around the perimeter of your home to see any missing or broken shingles. It is unsafe to get on the roof after a stormy night. The professionals are equipped with the latest technologies to find out hidden leaks and fissures.
