4 Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Roof And Postpone The Need To Have A Roof Replacement

An asphalt shingle roof wears out eventually, but there are some things you can do with the help of a roofing contractor to extend the life of your roof. Proper roof maintenance prevents roof leaks and it also helps you postpone a roofing replacement for as long as possible. Here's a look at ways to help your asphalt shingle roof have a long life.

1. Keep The Roof Clear Of Debris

If you can't climb on the roof yourself, consider hiring a roofer to clean debris off your roof if decaying leaves get stuck in a valley or if moss starts growing on the shingles. In addition to keeping leaf clumps off the roof that hold moisture against the shingles, it's also important to clean your gutters as needed throughout the year so water can drain away from your roof.

2. Have Periodic Inspections

If it's been years since a roofing contractor was on your roof, consider having an inspection done just to make sure there are no potential problems that could lead to a roof leak. When you know the condition of your roof, you know when it's time to have preventative work done so you can avoid a roof leak and water damage.

3. Repair Roof Damage In A Timely Manner

Roof damage gets worse over time. A missing shingle might not be an emergency, but if it isn't replaced as soon as possible, the deck of your roof could get wet and rot. When roof damage escalates, the cost of repairs escalates too. Plus, if the damage gets bad enough, the roofing contractor might recommend having a roof replacement rather than just repair the damaged shingles. By repairing damage right away, your roof could have a longer life.

4. Don't Block The Attic Vents

If there isn't enough ventilation in your attic, your asphalt shingles might suffer. Without ventilation, your attic heats up and this makes the underside of your roof hotter than it should be. This can be a hazard during all seasons of the year. Poor ventilation causes ice dams in the winter and shingle blistering and curling in the summer.

If your attic has soffit vents, the vents should have baffles around them so the vents don't get blocked by loose insulation or clutter you have in your attic. Sometimes, the ventilation isn't adequate even if the soffit vents are clear. When this is the case, a roofing contractor can add more vents so air flows through your attic properly and protects your roof from overheating.

Reach out to a roofing contractor for more information. 


Share