How To Prolong The Life Of Your Roof

Prolonging The Life Of Your Roof

How to Prolong the Life of Your Roof

​Because your roof is the first line of defense in inclement weather and represents a serious investment on the part of any homeowner, keeping it in good shape will extend the life of your roof to prevent costly replacement.
Therefore, it is important for you to be aware of simple repairs and preventative measures which may help to extend the life of your roof.
Even though there are other roof materials such as copper, tile, and metal, the majority of roofs have shingles. According to angieslist.com, the quality of the materials and workmanship when the existing roof was put on is the biggest factor in the lifespan of a roof.

Easy maintenance and repair tasks that can diminish the aging and decay of your roof shingles

• GUTTERS - Keeping the gutters clean will prevent unnecessary water damage to the deckboard, fascia, and soffit boards along the gutter line. This will allow rainwater to properly drain through your downspouts.
• DEBRIS REMOVAL - Tree branches, leaves, and other debris that may collect along roof valleys should be removed as soon as possible. Cut overhanging branches if there are tall trees around your house. (Check local ordinances to see if you may cut branches that hang over your roof if the tree is not on your property.)
• ICE DAMS - Check for ice dams that may develop when snow is partially melted.
• WORN SHINGLES - When shingles wear out or fall off, your roof is exposed to the elements, which causes it to rot or leak. This can mean even more extensive and expensive repairs in the future.
• POLYMER COATING - Applying a liquid polymer coating can help keep off water and diminish weather damage. This will keep shingles looking newer. These coatings are usually used on new shingle roofs and are available at most home improvement stores. Application takes a few hours.
• ATTIC VENTILATION - When attic ventilation is poor the temperature during the summer months can hit up to 160 degrees. This can cause premature aging of the roof because the superheated air can penetrate attic insulation. This can affect the cooling of your home, damaging wallpaper, paint, and the floor directly below. On the roof, it can damage your shingles by making them decay more quickly. Even the rafters holding up the roof can be affected by warping and cracking. In the winter excess moisture from bathrooms, and kitchens can build up in the attic. This moisture can collect and condense, soaking attic insulation. The Federal Housing Administration recommends a minimum of at least one square foot of attic ventilation (both intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic space.
• INSULATION - Insulation can also extend the life of a roof by protecting the structural components of a building. Because the temperatures on roofs can rise up to 90 degrees higher than the air temperature, roofs will transfer this radiant heat to the attic below. Reduce the transfer of radiant heat by insulating attics with radiant barriers and reflective insulation. This will reflect the heat back to the roof and decrease the temperature in the structure.
• ROOF CLEANING - Asphalt shingles, especially those in constant shade, can attract algae growth. If done professionally, roof cleaning is not harmful and can improve the curb appeal of a home, and also protect the shingles by allowing them to generate less heat.
• REGULAR INSPECTIONS - Having your roof inspected regularly at the very minimum of every two or three years is essential. Check the flashing attached to your chimney and vents to see if they are blocked. Inspecting your roof and attic ceilings will help you spot signs of damage, mold, wear, leaks, rot, or any other structural problems.

We hope this information has been informative and helpful. Joye Roofing offers a free roof inspection with an honest assessment on the condition of your roof.

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