4 Ways To Prolong The Life Of Your Home's Roof
With the average new roof costing homeowners more than $7,000, it makes sense that you want to keep your roof in good shape for as long as possible. The good news is that with proper care and maintenance, an asphalt shingle roof can easily last for about 20 years before needing to be replaced. So, what does it take to prolong the life of your roof? It's simpler than you might think.
Take Care of Your Trees
If you have tall trees on your property, make sure they're properly cared for. This means having them pruned as necessary by an experienced tree professional. One of the most common culprits of roof damage is falling debris, and unhealthy trees are a major source of this. When trees are not properly cared for, branches and limbs are more likely to end up on your roof — which can cause a host of problems, like cracked shingles.
Schedule Gutter Cleanings
Your home's roof relies heavily on its connected gutter system to carry water away from your home. When gutters are clogged, they're not able to carry water efficiently away from the roof itself; this can result in water pooling on your roof and making its way underneath shingles. Over time, this water can even make its way under the roof underlayment and cause wood rot.
By having your gutters cleaned at least once a year, you can keep them running as they should and keep standing water off your roof.
Install an Attic Vent
If you don't already have attic ventilation in place, now is the time to consider adding it. The installation of a simple attic fan can help reduce humidity levels inside your attic. This, in turn, can cut down on condensation buildup on your roof that can otherwise lead to wood rot and other problems.
Opt for Regular Inspections
When was the last time your roof was inspected by an experienced and professional roofing contractor? If it's been more than a couple of years, consider hiring a roofing contractor for a roofing inspection today. These are a great way to get a better feel for the overall health of your home's roofing system and alert you to the need for preventive repairs. And with the right preventive maintenance, you can maximize the life of your roof.
Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on premature roof replacement. By following these simple steps, you can keep the roof over your head in the best possible shape!