Without a properly functioning roof, thanks to preventative maintenance, pronto storm response, and proper ventilation, everything from the resale value of your home to your family’s health, wellbeing and safety are at risk.
The lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 25-100 years, depending on the materials and the amount of maintenance and cleaning it requires, and here are three ways to keep it looking new: 1.Cleat Your Gutters.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
The single best way you can help your roof last longer is cleaning your gutters. That’s because your gutters ultimately decide where the water goes when it leaves your roof. If your gutters are clogged, they will form a dam that will stop water from flowing completely – this way you can move the flow from your roof out from your gutter and vice versa.
For instance, regularly removing debris from your roof can prevent ice dams, and maintaining proper insulation and ventilation in an attic can extend its life by years.
Secondly, to ensure that branches of trees nearest to your roof are trimmed properly in case they somehow touch your roof and end up damaging it.
To keep your roof at its best, it is advsible to clean moss from it because it makes asphalt shingles weaker by absorbing and keeping the moisture that decays their material and you clear off this nuisance and plant, thus decreasing the risks of rot and sap at the shingles.
Trim Tree Branches
Besides adding valuable curb appeal and increasing a property value, trees can contribute to its infliction by their excessive damaging branches, as they could compromise the property’s integrity by falling during a storm or a strong wind. Therefore, cutting branches of a tree to keep them away from your roof is also a must.
This will prevent your roof from being damaged by branches and will also help to prevent branch falls in a storm if they are properly cut back. An arborist can help you protect your roof for many years.
Regular pruning keeps sunlight able to reach the surface of your roof, and to discourage the growth of moss and algae which drastically reduce asphalt shingle life. By merely taking the time to trim your trees on a regular schedule, you’ll reduce the maintenance needed to maintain a healthy roof. Pruning trees is one of the most cost-effective things you can do to increase your roof’s longevity.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
A roof is of prime importance in protecting your home. Regular maintenance will assist you with an uninterrupted service and avoid repair or replacement costs.
Check your roof at least semi-annually, after stormy weather, for cracked tiles, moss growth, possible lack of ventilation or discoloration, as well as any leaking flashing (galvanised metal used around vents and chimneys to divert water away from these potential pathways). Be sure your roof’s flashing does not allow water to find its way into your attic.
If you are confident with safely climbing a ladder, walk your roof’s entire perimeter. Look for leaks, disrepair or other issues. Check your attic vents are open so that you can have the benefit of escaping moisture that will also keep your energy bills lower. Check your insulation is there and in good condition so that the rising heat will get a barrier so that you slow the insidious effects of ageing and keep energy bills at an affordable level.
Install Attic Vents
Your roof can make the difference between your largest asset and your family’s health – but winds, rain and all else can attack it, and problems can be made worse without your notice, bringing leaks, rotting timber and dry-rot further down the road.
Proper attic ventilation can prolong the life of your roof: in an unventilated attic, heat can lead to an increase in moisture, exacerbated by warm air rising through the ventless space. Moisture in attics can speed up the ageing of shingles and encourage the growth of mould within the home.
Installing them is an easy do-it-yourself job that requires only basic supplies and a little know-how: Mark out your vent locations with a grease pencil (Photo 1); install breathable shields to deflect driving rain but permit airflow (Photo 1); finish installation with flashing all around vent openings to keep water out (Photos 1&2); and keep your attic vents clear in winter (Photos 1&2).