One of the most popular roofing choices among homeowners is asphalt roof. This is because it is durable, economical and it protects you from changing weather conditions. While an asphalt shingle roof is meant to last many years, its life span is greatly dependent on proper care and maintenance. Small roofing issues can quickly become costly repairs or even a full roof replacement if not properly maintained.
The good news is that homeowners can greatly extend the life of a roof by instituting a preventive maintenance plan and addressing problems before they become big problems. Here are some practical ways you can use to extend the life of your asphalt roof and keep your roofing system in top shape.
Routine Roof Inspections Schedule
One of the best ways to protect your asphalt roof is to have it professionally inspected at least annually. A roofing professional will be able to spot early signs of deterioration that may not be visible from the ground.
Typically, a roof inspection will have the contractor looking for any type of damage to the roof flashing, shingles, gutters, vents and roof deck. They also look for granule loss, cracked shingles, curled shingles, loose fasteners and possible water infiltration.
It’s also wise to get checked after severe storms. Hidden storm damage is damage that occurs as high winds, hail, and heavy rainfall weaken the entire roofing system over time.
Downspouts & Gutters Cleaned
Proper roof drainage is an important element in protecting your roof. Leaves, dirt and debris can block gutters and downspouts, preventing rain water from flowing away properly.
Retained water can remain on a roof longer than it should, increasing the chances of roof leaks, moisture problems and deterioration of roofing materials. Efficient drainage all year long can be maintained with gutter guards and regular gutter cleaning.
Good drainage systems also minimize the chances of water stains, mold and structural problems inside your home.
Be sure your roof has adequate ventilation.
The life of an asphalt shingle roof depends on proper roof ventilation. Proper attic ventilation will allow hot, moist air to escape and draw in cooler air from outside.
Without adequate attic ventilation, the extra heat will build up under the roof in the summer. Constant exposure to heat accelerates aging shingles and decreases overall roof durability.
A lack of ventilation can also cause humidity build up which will cause condensation in the attic. Moisture that’s trapped causes mold growth, wood rot, damaged insulation and premature deterioration of your roof.
Balanced air flow through the roof helps to keep temperatures even and helps protect the roofing materials and structure of the home.
Cut Down Trees and Clear Roof Rubbish
Overhanging tree branches may look innocent enough, but they can significantly shorten the life of your roof. Branches can scrape against asphalt shingles in the storm, dislodge roofing materials or fall on the roof.
Concerns about moss removal and slow surface deterioration Leaves and debris left on the roof can hold moisture against shingles, causing algae to grow.
By regularly trimming the branches of the tree you prevent physical damage, keep the roof cleaner and allow the rain water to flow freely towards the gutters.
Immediately repair roof damage
Ignoring small roofing problems can lead to very expensive fixes later. A single broken shingle can permit water to get under the surface of the roof.
Warning signals might be:
- Missing shingles broken shingles
- Bent Shingles
- Lost granules
- Roof loose flashing.
- Sagging roof sections
- Water stains inside
- Leaking from roof visible
Quick roof repair helps prevent moisture intrusion from spreading into the attic, insulation, ceilings and walls. Fixing things early can also help you avoid costly structural damage to your roof.
Shield Your Roof from the Elements
Weather is one of the biggest factors that affect a roof’s lifespan. Heavy rain. Snow. Wind. Shifting temperatures. Constant exposure to sunlight. All of these things wear down roofing materials over time, slowly but surely.
Strong ultraviolet rays cause UV damage to shingles over time which makes them brittle. Water moving back and forth in tiny cracks during repeated freeze-thaw cycles in the winter eventually creates larger openings.
In colder climates, watch for ice dams that prevent melting snow from draining properly. Ice dams can lead to standing water, which raises the odds of water getting under the shingles.
Invest in Roof Preventative Maintenance
Routine roof maintenance is not as costly as emergency repairs or a complete roof replacement.
A complete maintenance program might include:
- Annual professional roof inspection
- Gutter and downspout cleaning
- Debris to be removed from roof
- Check roof flashing
- Fixed Damaged Shingles
- Check attic ventilation.
- Roof Leak Detection
- Immediately repairing minor damage
With regular maintenance, roofing contractors can spot problems before they become major structural issues.
Commercial Roofing Contractor Hire
Homeowners can perform some basic visual inspections but more complicated repairs should be performed by a qualified roofing contractor.
The trained professional contractors know how to properly install roofs and can see hidden problems that affect the roof deck, the ventilation system, the flashing and the structural components.
It also helps you keep your roof warranty intact since many manufacturers require repairs and maintenance to be done to their specifications, hiring experienced professionals.
Quality workmanship today is the best way to avoid much larger expenses tomorrow.
When do you need to replace the roof?
Asphalt roofs, no matter how well maintained, will eventually reach the end of their service life. However, if you have extensive shingle damage, frequent roof leaks, serious roof deterioration or ongoing structural issues, repairs may not be enough.
A professional roofer can inspect your existing roof system and tell you whether it makes sense to invest money in repairs or whether a full roof replacement is a better long-term solution.
By replacing an old roof before it fails, you can save your home from major water damage and emergency repair bills that you didn’t expect.
Conclusion
A shingle asphalt roof is a long-term investment that needs regular care. You can greatly improve the longevity of the roof by simply taking care of the roof by scheduling a roof inspection, improving roof ventilation, cleaning gutters, repairing damaged shingles, and protecting the roof from severe weather.
