Top ways to extend the life of your roof

Replacing your roof is one of the most expensive home improvement projects you’ll undertake as a homeowner – so you’ll want to figure out how to extend the life of that roof for as long as you can.

The good news is with a few simple proactive measures throughout the year, you can take care of your roof and make sure it lasts as long as possible.

Take these maintenance steps to extend the life of your roof:

Maintain your gutters.

Make sure your gutters are cleared of leaves and debris on a regular basis. Check after major storms and periodically throughout the year to make sure your gutters are not blocked or clogged. Clogged gutters can make water back up or debris pile up on your roof, which can damage areas where the debris and water collects like the lower deckboard of the roof.

Trim nearby branches.

Branches from trees in your yard can prove to be a hazard to your roof. During sunny weather, these branches can drop leaves, acorns or other debris onto your roof or serve as an easy transport for squirrels and other creatures to easily access your roof. And, during stormy weather, nearby branches can fall and cause major, immediate damage to your roof as well. Keep a close eye on branches growing close to your roof and trim them back periodically to ensure they are clear of your roof.

Ventilate the attic.

Proper attic ventilation will help you avoid moisture damage with your roof. Regularly check your roof’s vents to make sure they are not blocked. Also, have a professional assess if your roof’s vents are large enough to properly vent an attic of your size.

Insulate your attic.

Obviously, quality insulation will decrease your energy bills inside your home. But, did you know adding insulation to your attic will also protect your roof? If you don’t have enough insulation in your roof, the air trapped in the attic will get extremely hot – which will quicken the decay of your roof’s shingles.

Have your roof professionally inspected and repaired when necessary.

At least once a year, call out a professional roofer to inspect your roof. Inspections should be free, and you can see if any maintenance or repairs are necessary. If repairs are identified, make them. Small maintenance and repairs made as soon as they are noticed will not only extend the life of your roof but save you larger repair bills later.
Inspections and estimates are always free at Turner Roofing. So, after you’ve performed general maintenance, call us out to get it a good inspection for the overall quality of your roof. If you find yourself in need of repairs or roofing replacement, we can help. Call us at 918-258-2585.