Sometimes, keeping the roof in great shape involves things that have nothing to do with the roof. Often, all tasks involved have everything to do with the roofing system. The important thing is one. Yes, there are things we can all do to keep the roof in a good condition for years and years to come. No need to explain why, right?
Let me highlight the points between the lines. Roofs last for long, anyway. And nowadays, the materials are better than before and the technology is advanced. Given that the roof installation is done by experts, the theory is that it will exhaust all its lifespan. Now, the goal in this situation is to really make it happen. No wait! It’s to even expand the lifespan even more.
But surprise, surprise! Even roofs in mild climates take their share of beating. Even the very best roofs might be affected – at one point, by this constant beating.
To understand how you can protect your roof and thus, prolong its lifespan, you need to remember what might negatively affect its condition. Got time? Because the list is long. Ready? Extreme heat, low temperatures, ice dams, flying debris, dirty gutters, broken flashing, missing shingles, wrong pitch…should I go on, or you get the picture?
With all that said, let’s focus on the main things you can do to keep the roof in tip-top shape. Shall we?
• Add attic insulation
What’s happening in the house? The heating system is on, you cook, the children shower and all this heat, steam, and condensation goes up and enters the attic. Without attic insulation, there’s heat loss. That’s bad for the indoor comfort and your pocket; it’s also bad for the roof since there’s a risk for the formation of ice dams when it’s snowing. There’s also condensation among the roof’s components and thus, early saturation and mold growth. By adding attic insulation, you avoid all these problems.
• Make sure there’s sufficient ventilation
While the insulation is needed, it’s equally important that there’s attic ventilation. Too much insulation (without exhaustion) might end up damaging the shingles instead of protecting them. There’s a need for some kind of balance. What’s prevented with good ventilation? The shingles getting cracked, curled, damaged.
The combination of proper attic insulation and ventilation is great for the roof. With the attic insulated, you keep the roof intact from all things that go on indoors. With good ventilation, you allow some exhaustion of the humidity gathered inside and so, the components of the roof are not destroyed.
• Clean and fix the rain gutters
The rain gutters are part of the roofing system. If they are damaged, filled with debris, not installed correctly – anything wrong, they may cause trouble. Water may back up under the roof, saturating the components, forming mold, increasing the moisture levels.
• Have the roof maintained regularly
Maintain! Maintain! Maintain! Should we say it once more? Maintain! That’s the ultimate way to catch problems before they take a toll on the roof. And there’s often a lot going on over there on the roof that you cannot see when you are down there. Of course, don’t climb up. Let roofers do that.
First of all, if you don’t know how to step on the roof, you might break some shingles. And you may fall. Then, there’s all sorts of things on the roof – many components, lots of dirt and debris, branches, algae, leaves. It’s important that the roof is cleaned. The gutters should be cleaned too. Most importantly, it’s vital that the roof (and the gutters) is checked for possible damage.
Okay, you may not need a roofer to do the inspection every single year, but every few years would be wise. Also, it’s recommended to have the roof inspected after storms, especially hail storms.
• Don’t ignore the roof’s red flags
Even the best roof may be damaged. So, watch out for the signals, the red flags. Damp ceilings, water leakage, increased moisture indoors, sagging gutters, rainwater dripping on the fascia are all signs that there might be a roof problem. Never delay calling a professional roof contractor.
• Trust even a minor job to a roofer
Although your safety should be the first and most important reason for avoiding getting on the roof yourself, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to that. It’s about making sure a problem is detected and also, properly fixed. And so, you need an experienced roofer.
Roofs last for years – even longer than expected, when they are maintained regularly and installed correctly. Of course, many things – often unforeseen things, may impact its condition. But if you do all the above and hire a professional roof company for all jobs, you’ll be okay. Your roof will be okay.
