Your roof is a costly but essential feature of your home that you probably want to maintain for a long time. Proper care is the ideal way to improve your roof’s lifespan. This blog explores four ways to reduce the frequency of roof repair or replacement.
1. Use Quality Roofing Materials
Select high-quality roofing materials from a reputable manufacturer to increase your roof’s lifespan. To do this, you can check the properties of your desired roofing material. For example, the load rating, expected lifespan, and fire rating influence roofing material quality. Worthwhile roofing materials you should consider include asphalt, metal, wood, and tile.
First, each roofing material handles a specific load, so install one that fits your needs. Second, the fire ratings range from A to C based on the material’s effectiveness against fire. Grade A represents the highest resistance. So, if your area is susceptible to wildfires, opt for a grade A material. Finally, each material has an expected lifespan, so choose one that lasts the longest within your budget.
2. Keep Your Gutters Free of Debris
Gutters direct rainwater away from your roof to prevent leaks and moisture-related damage. Nonetheless, a drain clogged with leaves and other debris becomes less effective. For example, during heavy downpours, water overflows from a dirt-filled gutter and could damage your house’s shingles and interior. Also, waste in unclean gutters provides favorable ground for pests to nest.
Clear all debris from your gutters at the frequency recommended by your roof contractor. You will need to clear your drain more often if many trees grow near your roof. If you are handy and brave enough to use a ladder, climb up and use a leaf blower or rake to clean your gutters. Alternatively, hire a roof cleaner to do the job so you can avoid falls and other associated dangers.
3. Plants Trees Far From Your Roof or Prune Nearby Trees
Low-hanging branches brush against your siding and roof and cause abrasion and other damage. Besides, pests like termites and rodents can easily access your roof from the trees. You may find pest nests, dung, fur, and other animal debris that increase the dirt in your gutters. The wild animals may also chew on your roofing system’s components, thus increasing the rate of wear and tear.
Plant your trees ten or more feet away from your house to minimize the dirt on your roof system. Alternatively, keep a barrier between nearby trees and your roof to keep wildlife and falling leaves away. Also, note that you need a professional to prune your trees. Otherwise, you may cause more damage to the roof.
4. Schedule Regular Inspections
If you always inspect your roof, you can tell when something is wrong. Whereas you may not notice every sign of damage from the ground, you can still check out for some visible ones. For example, look for dents, lifted shingles, excessive granule loss, algae growth, and detached gutters.
Do not hesitate to contact a trusted roofing contractor if you identify issues during the inspection. Also, schedule a professional inspection at least two times every year. A professional pinpoints underlying roof problems that can escape your eyes. Also, roofers climb onto your roof with protective gear to undertake a more detailed inspection and offer solutions to the arising issues.
A reliable roofing company fills in the final piece to your roof’s longevity. Work with a reputable contractor whenever you want a roof installation, repair, maintenance, or replacement. At Precise Roofing & Contracting, we handle your roofing projects and maintenance schedules using reputable roofing technicians that cannot let you down. Try us today!
