It can be very easy to ignore our roof. As the saying goes: out of sight, out of mind. But homeowners who don’t think about their roof — and the ongoing care it may need — will only experience even bigger problems down the road, including leaks, which can cause major and costly damage to the interior of your home.
If you’re a homeowner who isn’t sure what roof maintenance should look like, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Roofs need to be inspected. Most homeowners are not aware, but your roof should be inspected by a professional twice a year, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. During these inspections, your roofing professional will look for loose or damaged shingles, sagging, mold and rot, water damage, and holes. If they find damage, they will advise you on fixes or the next steps.
2. Roofs have to be replaced. Roofs are made out of a variety of materials and this, along with any damage, will determine when they need to be replaced. Based on the material of your roof, the typical lifespan is:
- Asphalt Shingles: 15 to 30 years
- Composition Shingles: 12 to 20 years
- Wood Shingles: 20 to 25 years
- Rubber Roofs: 30 to 50 years
- Metal Roofs: 50 to 75 years
3. Roofs should be inspected after a major weather event. There are several weather events that can cause significant damage to your roof, including high winds and tornadoes, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and heavy snowfalls. If your home goes through one of these events, and you are concerned some damage may have been done, it’s important to bring in a professional who can help you inspect for potential problems. Left unfixed, these problems could lead to leaks and mold growth.
4. Roofs need care. There is some easy do-it-yourself maintenance you can do to help maintain the quality and integrity of your roof. Start by making sure your gutters remain clean and free of debris. This is especially important before a storm so that your gutters don’t fill with water, which can get clogged and lead to rot and other damage. In addition to cleaning the gutters, it’s also important to make sure that trees that may hang over your roof remain trimmed, so they can’t fall on your roof or cause damage to your roof.
The last thing you can do to help maintain your roof is to check your roof’s insulation. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic will help to ensure your roof stays in good condition by ensuring during those cold winter months ice dams and an excess of moisture do not form. This will help extend the lifetime of your roof.
Keeping your roof free and clear from any potential hazards and providing that ongoing care is the most important thing homeowners can do to extend the roof’s life. This is especially important because the cost of a new roof can be expensive.
For help maintaining your roof, visit https://www.loaconstruction.com/.
