How to Extend the Life of Your Roof

Your roof is a critical component of your home, keeping you dry during heavy spring storms and warm in freezing winter temperatures. Even though it is so important, your roof can be easy to overlook. With a lifespan of fifteen years or more, many homeowners only pay attention to their roof when they notice a major problem, like a leak or storm damage.

However, inspecting your roof annually can extend its life by up to a decade! Regular roof maintenance extends the life of your roof and prevents the expense of a complete replacement. With the right attention, minor issues such as nail pops don’t turn into major problems like mold and rot.

Follow these tips to increase the life of your roof:

1. Inspect Your Roof Annually

Some issues may not be visible from the ground, and a yearly inspection where someone is on your roof is critical. If you are not comfortable getting on the roof, call a roofing professional to take a look. Make sure you choose someone who has the ability to do repairs and will not just try to sell you an entire new roof! Brothers offers an inexpensive Roof Tune-Up Package, in which we will not only inspect your roof but also perform maintenance such as repairing nail pops and resealing flashing. These small repairs can save you from costly problems in the future.

2. Check the Attic

In addition to inspecting the external roof, examine the underside from the attic. Check for signs of water damage to the decking – the plywood visible on the roof of the attic. Additionally, make sure your attic has proper ventilation and insulation.

3. Look for Missing Shingles

Small problems can often lead to major ones down the road. A missing shingle is not a big deal if you are aware of it and fix it quickly. If you find a shingle in your yard, you should have someone replace it as soon as possible to avoid water damage.

4. Inspect Flashing and Caulk

The first thing to fail on newer roofs is caulk around the flashing – the metal pieces that direct water away from where roof elements intersect. Caulk naturally deteriorates, dry rotting and cracking, much faster than shingles. So, you should check flashing regularly to make sure a watertight seal is protecting your home.

5. Check for Exposed Nails

Nails that have come loose can create an entryway for water. With gravity and roof slope, water coming through one small gap can show up in different parts of your home, such as the drywall in your living room. Hammering in loose nails is a quick fix to prevent water damage.

6. Clean Your Gutters

Inspect and clean your gutters regularly. Debris and water sitting in your gutters can freeze when temperatures drop. This backup can lead to ice dams on your roof or extra weight that pulls gutters away from the house.

7. Understand Your Warranty

Not all roofing warranties are created equal. Make sure you understand what is covered and when you need to call a professional for assistance.

Maintaining your roof is critical to extending the life of your roof. When left unchecked small roof issues can create a frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive problem. Scheduling regular roof inspections can save you a lot in the long run.

Whether you have an asphalt, cedar, or slate roof, you can rely on the expert craftsman at Brothers Services for roof repairs and replacements. If you think something might be wrong with your roof or if it is 15 years or older, schedule a free consultation with one of our roofing experts.