How to Make Your Roof Last Longer: Tips for Homeowners

Ever thought about the most important component of your home? It protects your home from external elements and ensures that you family remains safe. Yes, we are talking about the roof of your home. Roof maintenance is an essential part of your overal home maintenance. A simple investment in roof maintenance will save you money on long term repairs and replacements. Let’s discuss a few tips on how you can make your roof last longer. 

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  Roof Inspections

Most people do not add roof maintenance and inspection to their checklists. It is important to carry out these inspections frequently so you can detect the minor issues before they escalate into something major. According to experts, you must check your rooftop atleast twice a year. It is also advisable to perform these inspections once in the fall and the other in spring. 

During these inspections, you must look for any cracked, missing or curled shingles. Moreover, also look for any signs of mould growth or water damage. If you are unable to perform these inspections yourself, you must hire a service provider for a thorough inspection.

• Keeping the Roof Clean

Accumulation of debris and growth of moss and algae can destroy any roof with the passage of time. Improper cleaning can lead to early deterioration of the roof. Regular cleaning practices help to improve its longevity. There are some areas of the roof where moisture levels are high and are difficult to clean. For such locations, you can hire a professional roof cleaning in Portland who will do the job for you. 

• Cleaning and Maintaining Gutters

If you have clogged gutters on your property, it can lead to the pooling of water on your roof. This will eventually cause leakage and structural damage to your property. You must ensure that the gutters are clean and there is no accumulation of twigs, leaves or other debris. Experts suggest you regularly clean your gutters, especially during fall to prevent clogging. If the gutters are difficult to clean, then you must consider Gutter Installation in Portland. Professional service providers will help you to improve the drainage system of your home. 

• Trimming Branches

If your property is near large or overhanging trees then this is for you. You must trim all overhanging branches regularly as these tend to damage the shingles. Additionally, these overhead branches also drop leaves and moisture on the roof which can damage it. An additional source of moisture from anywhere serves as a growth factor for moss and algae. Regular trimming reduces all these risks and also prevents roof damage during storms. 

• Ensure Ventilation

Some of the properties have poor ventilation in their attics. Such a flaw in structural design leads to a buildup of moisture which damages the roof over time. Therefore, it is essential to allow proper airflow in such areas of the home to prevent moisture from building up. You can also install ridge vents or attic fans to improve ventilation and improve roof longevity. 

• Fix Leaks Immediately

Do you notice water spots on your ceiling or walls? This is a sign that there is potential water leakage in your property. These small leaks have the potential to cause significant damage if ignored. Eventually you would have to pay more if there is damage to the structure. You can also contact roofing professionals to detect signs of leakage and protect your roof from further damage. 

• Select High-Quality Material

When replacing or fixing a roof, always select high-quality materials which are durable in the long run and can withstand any climate. Examples of high-quality material include asphalt shingles, clay tiles or metal roofing. All of these materials have their own pros and cons as well as lifespans. Investing in high-quality material beforehand can help reduce the maintenance cost to a great extent. 

• Applying Protective Coating

Applying a protective coating helps to protect the roof from UV rays, environmental damage and moisture. You can apply a waterproof sealant that helps to reduce wear and tear on the roof, especially during heavy rainfall season. These coating materials are also helpful in improving efficiency as they help to reflect heat away from your home.

• Hiring Professional Service Providers

DIY maintenance may be easy on the pockets. But, professional service providers help with quality inspections and thoroughly fix all home repairs. Roofing professionals also provide their expertise in identifying hidden issues and helping prolong the lifespan of your roof. 

Conclusion

A proactive approach to maintaining the roof can help to significantly increase the lifespan of the roof. It helps to reduce the costly repairs and protect your home from further damage. Following these simple yet effective tips helps to protect the investment for the future.