4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Roof
When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, your roof is the first line of defense. Taking steps to keep your roof in good shape now can save you hundreds in repair costs in the future and will also help your home keep its curb appeal. Here are four tips that can extend the life of your roof.
1. Remove Leaves and Other Debris
If you live in a forested area, you’re likely familiar with the sight of leaves falling and piling up on top of your roof. However, you may not be aware that leaves and other debris can cause damage if they are left on your roof for too long. Inspecting your roof occasionally and cleaning off any accumulated debris is the first step to make it last longer.
If debris is allowed to rest on your roof, it can capture and hold moisture when it rains or snows. This can result in roof leaks and mold growth as the moisture is not able to escape. Debris on your roof can also attract rodents and other pests that nest on and inside your roof and cause damage.
2. Keep Your Gutters Clean
Just as you need to keep your roof clean, you should also keep an eye on your gutters. In fact, you can clean your gutters and your roof at the same time to make the process more efficient. Your gutters and downspouts route moisture away from your roof as well as your home’s foundation. If they are clogged, you may see moisture problems around the edges of your roof as well as damage to your home’s siding.
While using a power washer on your roof can cause shingle damage, a power washer used on your gutters and downspouts is one of the best ways to remove clogs. Alternatively, you can accomplish the task manually with a ladder, a handheld scoop, and buckets. To prevent gutter clogs in the future, consider installing gutter guards.
3. Prevent Roof Algae
If you’ve ever seen streaks or spots of unusual colors on your roof, you may have roof algae. Roof algae is more common in humid environments and is usually the result of a spore landing on your roof and starting an infestation that feeds on the fillers in your shingles. Roof algae can appear as streaks of dark brown or black, green or white spots, or even as green moss that spreads across your roof.
To prevent algae growth, clean your roof and gutters regularly. You can also find commercial chemical coatings for your roof that hinder algae growth. Treating existing algae is a job best left to professional contractors to avoid roof damage. If you take care of algae now, you can prevent unsightly blemishes, leaks, and mold growth on your roof.
4. Ventilate Your Attic
Your roof is highly sensitive to temperature changes, and the temperature of the attic beneath it is just as important as the temperature outside. An attic that isn’t properly ventilated can lead to peeling shingles and damage to the frame and underlayment of your roof. Consider hiring a contractor to evaluate your attic insulation to prevent these problems associated with the buildup of heat and moisture.
Your roof should be one of the highest priorities on your home maintenance checklist. With these tips, you can avoid the most common sources of roof damage. For more roof maintenance tips and quality service, contact us today at Jerry Newman Roofing & Remodeling Inc. We have years of experience and can help you both prevent and fix problems to keep your roof in good condition longer.