A quality roof is a necessary part of a home. You don’t want to keep replacing yours. But depending on where you live, it can be difficult to maintain your roof. Whether you deal with snowstorms or heatwaves or high winds, your roof goes through a lot. It protects you, so what can you do to protect it? Keep reading to find out!
Actions to Take
The most effective way to extend the life of your roof is to take preventative measures. In the autumn, clean the leaves out of your gutters regularly to ensure water does not get backed up. You should also check for granules in your gutters while you are clearing leaves. Granules are the small minerals on asphalt shingles that protect them from wear and tear. In addition to blocking the gutters, granules in your gutters mean they are not on shingles where they belong. Damaged shingles can lead to further roof damage in the future, so if you spot an excess of granules it is important to look for and replace the shingles they came from.
Factors to Consider
Quality of insulation can also contribute to premature roof deaths. Without insulation, ice dams can form when the temperature drops below freezing. An ice dam appears when hot air from inside a home melts the snow and ice on top of a house, causing it to melt and slide down the side of the roof. However, when it gets far enough away from the source of the heat, it refreezes. This is a problem because it prevents snow from draining off the roof, and the water instead instead goes inside the house. To prevent ice dams from forming and causing water damage to your roof and home, you should ensure that your insulation is effective.
If you want to do a quick check of your roof but are not sure what to look for, read our blog post “4 Quick Ways to Identify Damage to Your Roof.” PUT LINK HERE WHEN YOU POST OTHER ARTICLE However, it never hurts to get your roof looked at by a professional, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather or have an older roof. If you identify and address your concerns promptly, your roof will thank you for it.
Over all, the best ways to extend the life of your roof are to be proactive in clearing it, ensure your insulation is top notch, and address issues quickly with professional guidance. Taking these steps may seem like a hassle when you have to climb the ladder to remove leaves and ice, but they just might save you a new roof.