For most Americans, their home is the most significant investment they will ever make in their lifetime. If you’re one of those people, it only makes sense to take excellent care of your investment to make it last a lifetime.
Regular upkeep is vital in making the components of your home last longer, but everything does have its expected lifespan. For this post, the focus is on the roof, which is the part of your home that’s exposed to the elements the most. Rain, snow, hail, and the sun’s heat punish your roof 24/7. A homeowner is expected to pay for a roof replacement at least once in their lifetime. To make sure your roof lasts for as long as possible, follow these tips.
Let the Professionals Work on Your Roof
Unless you’re a roofer or have some experience in roof work, it’s not a good idea to repair your roof yourself. Hire a professional so that you don’t have to depend on guesswork and makeshift repairs. There might be difficult areas on your roof that only pros can handle. Some professionals even offer laser cutting in Salt Lake City or elsewhere to make sure your metal roof’s components are built to specifications. Such installations prevent a host of problems. Whatever type of roof you own, only hire trained professionals to work on it.
Clean Your Gutters
When gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, they overflow and fail to function as they should. In many cases, clogged and overflowing drains lead to siding damage and flooded basements. Gutter clogging can also damage your roof. Water can back up and seep through to the sheathing and start rot. Remove clogs every spring and fall if you’re comfortable working at heights (use a sturdy ladder).
You can also hire professionals to do it for you. The money you pay them is well worth the protection your roof will get. Consider having gutter protection installed, as well. Gutter caps keep debris out of your gutters so water can flow freely to the downspouts and away from your house.
Have Your Attic Vents Inspected
Functional attic vents can keep your roof from overheating. Poor or inadequate vents cause the opposite. The temperature in your home is likely to become uncomfortable during hot days. Small vents also damage your roof slowly. The excess heat in your attic will bake your asphalt shingles, causing them to claw, curl, or become brittle, so you have to replace them sooner than expected. Too much venting, on the other hand, can cause water damage and rot under your roof. Call a professional roofer to inspect your vents and repair them as needed.
Remove Overhanging Branches, Dead Leaves, and Moss
Overhanging branches can scrape your roof, scratching it and removing the protective granules. If the branch is substantial, the strong wind might be enough to force that branch to puncture your roof. As soon as you notice branches extending above your roof, start trimming the trees. Dead leaves that fall on your roof can also cause problems. They can end up in the gutters and cause clogs, or they can stay on your roof long enough and harbor moisture, which is bad news for your roof over time. Moss also keeps your roof moist. Moss is usually present where your roof is under some shade from, say, a high, solid fence, or some trees. Remove the moss gently to prevent scratches, or hire a professional to do it.
Taking care of your roof is one way to make sure your home’s components last longer. Not only will you be able to save money, but you can also have peace of mind knowing your home is safe from damage.
