The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Roof Last Longer

If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't get up on your roof very often. Roof damage is easy to miss unless you're specifically looking for it, and usually by the time you spot the damage, the repairs are pretty costly. The best thing you can do for your roof is to perform regular maintenance, just like you would do for other parts of your home. Not only will you spot issues before they become major problems, but you'll also significantly extend the lifespan of your roof.

Regular roof inspections by a professional

Scheduling regular inspections with a professional roofer should be your first step for maintaining your roof.  A roofing contractor will be able to give you an accurate report on the overall condition of your roof as well as any issues or necessary repairs.  Just like you would have a mechanic inspect your vehicle, a roofer is familiar with all aspects of the roofing system and will know exactly what to look for. Nashville Roofers offers free roof inspections, so there is no reason not to schedule one.

Fix minor repairs immediately

Even the smallest cracks in shingles or nicks in the flashing can lead to major damage if not handled properly.  Whether your roof inspection detects minor issues, or you notice them yourself, it is best to have them repaired as soon as possible. Small issues will grow with time, typically allowing moisture and water into the home, which will lead to mold growth, wood rot, or other damage that will be very costly to repair.

Check shingles regularly

Shingles are the roof's first line of defense and are exposed to all the elements first, making them more prone to damage. Catching shingle damage early will save you stress and money. Checking them is as easy as walking around your property, using binoculars to see up on the roof, and climbing a ladder to inspect more closely, all of which you can do without having to call a roofing contractor. The most common signs of shingle damage are: loose or curled shingles, loss of granules, missing shingles, standing water, or sunken areas. If you see any of these signs, or suspect there is damage, contact your local roofing company to do the repair work.

Keep gutters cleaned out

The gutters are very important to the roofing system because they are responsible for directing water off of the roof. When the gutters or downspouts are full of debris, the water will pool up under the shingles, causing leaks. Whether you hire a gutter cleaning service or do it yourself, the job should be done at least once a month when it's dry and twice a month during rainy seasons. Gutter guards are also a great deterrent to debris buildup.

Check for water spots/leaks regularly

A best practice is to check your attic for water spots or signs of leakage after a rainfall. Discovering leaks early will cut down on the damage they can cause and the cost to repair them.  This should only take a few minutes of your time and will help make your roof last longer.

Ensure attic is well ventilated

As we've covered before, poor attic ventilation is the main cause for moisture build up. The presence of moisture will lead to mold and mildew growth and an increased risk of respiratory issues for those living in the home.  Poor ventilation will also cause your HVAC system to have to work harder to cool during hot months and warm during cold months.

Trim tree branches that hang over the roof

Overhanging branches can be very damaging to a roof. Strong winds and storms will cause the branches to fall on the roof, damaging your shingles or even causing a hole in the roof.  A tree trimming company will be able to clear any overhanging branches away from the roof, eliminating the risk of them falling and causing damage.

Perform regular roof cleaning

Most people avoid this maintenance task because they think the only benefit is to make the roof look better.  However, cleaning the roof helps maintain its integrity in several ways:

• It helps keeps debris from clogging the gutters. Cleaning the debris that sits on your roof eliminates the need to clean out the gutters.
• Removing moss, mold, and algae growth from the shingles helps prevent damage.  Moss growth will curl the edges of the shingles, allowing moisture to penetrate and making them more prone to blowing off in heavy winds.
• Lichens that are left behind from algae and moss keep moisture on the shingles, which leads to damage.  Cleaning these off will eliminate that risk.
• When the roof is clean, it is easier to spot issues on the surface such as loss of granules or shingle cracks.

Avoid power washing shingles

While many people recommend power washing your roof, a concentrated spray of water can loosen the granules and result in damage that may not be covered by the roofing material's warranty. It is always best to hire a professional who will use a broom, leaf blower, or manually clean and remove growth and debris.

Repair or replace damaged flashing

Roof flashing is the material installed over areas with seams, such as chimneys, valleys, and pipe boots. If flashing is damaged, these areas are much more susceptible to leaks.  Repairing or replacing flashing should be a regular task because one damaged area can cause major water damage to shingles and the home's interior.

Regular inspections and simple maintenance tasks will not only prevent major damage to your home, but will also extend the lifespan of your roof by many years.  Contact Nashville Roofers today for a free roof inspection and tips on how you can best care for your roof.