Roofs cost a lot of money, so you want to get the most out of them. You can make your asphalt shingle roof last longer if you keep it in good shape and fix any problems right away. The following is a list of things that homeowners can do to extend the life of their roofs.
As the most used roofing material, asphalt shingles are also among the least priced. It is installed on a lot of homes in the United States and is approved by the best SEO services for roofers. But asphalt shingle roofs have different life spans. Some have to be replaced after only ten years, while others can last for at least twenty-five years.
Some roof materials stay as long as fifty years. So why do asphalt roof shingles last such different lengths of time? This article will teach you how to make your asphalt shingle roof last longer to get the most out of your money.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutters that back up and get clogged cause so many roof problems. When the gutters don’t work right, the water stays on the roof and wears down the shingles over time. Water could also splash back onto the shingles if the gutters aren’t working right. From this direction, it’s much easier for water to get under the shingles and possibly cause a leak. So, having your gutters cleaned regularly is very important. Every year, but do it more frequently when your roof is covered in leaves from trees.
Trim Trees
Trees near the house can provide shade and beauty, but they also need to be taken care of. Trim your trees regularly to prevent their branches from protruding into your home’s roof. If not, your roof will suffer from significant damage caused by backed-up tree branches and leaves.
Insulate and Ventilate your House
In addition to saving you money on your utility bills, proper attic ventilation extends the life of your roof.
If your shingles aren’t properly maintained, they can become somewhat hot during the year’s hottest months. You may increase the air quality in your house and extend the life of your asphalt roof by carefully adding insulation.
Your shingles work hard to protect your home from the sun’s UV rays, and during the warmer months, they can get quite hot. By installing insulation correctly, you can keep the air moving and extend the life of your asphalt roof. (Avoid blocking vents)
Get rid of the dirt
Take the time twice a year to clean your roof of any trash built up. This is very important if you have a tree near your house that hangs over your roof. When leaves pile up on your shingles, they can trap moisture and be less effective overall.
If there is too much junk on the roof, the shingle’s protective pebbled surface can start to lift. Keep in mind that you may need to clean your roof more often after a storm or if you have a lot of trees that drop fruit, leaves, or branches on them.
Look for Algae and Moss
Dark streaks are common on asphalt roofs when it rains a lot. This color change is caused by algae growth. It won’t hurt your roof most of the time, but it can leave unwanted stains. On the other hand, moss can cause damage and should be taken off immediately.
Some people try to get rid of algae stains and moss by scrubbing hard or using pressure washing, but this can damage the shingle and make it last less long. Talk to a roof repair and maintenance contractor about cleaning shingles that are stained and covered in moss.
Repair Any Missing or Broken Shingles
Curling, cracked, or missing shingles can happen over time. In this case, you won’t have to replace your roof’s shingles all at once.
Some roofing companies offer a service called “roof rejuvenation,” which can extend the life of your roof up to fifteen years. If the shingles need to be replaced, it’s best to hire a pro to do it before they end up causing leaks or other problems for your home.
Check Your Roof Regularly
No matter how well-installed your roof is, it will have problems at some point. The longer you let your roof’s problem go on, the shorter its life will be. So, the best thing to do is have a reputable roofing contractor look at your roof to find these problems before they get so bad that water leaks through to your ceiling. This way, your roof will last longer, but it will also cost less to fix.
Think About Roof Quality
Lastly, the best way to make your roof last longer is to buy better shingles and have them put on by a company with more experience and care. You should also try to get a better warranty so that if your shingles fail early, you are still covered.
