Make Your Residential Asphalt Shingle Roof Last Longer

The average roof withstands a lot of wear and tear over time; from prolonged exposure to the elements, to algae and dirt debris build up. Roof maintenance is essential to ensuring that your roof system is properly protected and that its life is lived to its fullest extent. Performing basic roof maintenance is something that you can easily do yourself. A great place to start is with clearing any leaves or branches that are located on top of the roof or stuck in the gutters. Take a gentle scrub brush or broom and clean at a downward angle flush with the shingles to prevent damage. After the roof has been cleared of any debris, pay close attention to chimneys, skylights, and vent openings; check for any sign of potential damage or leaking. These areas are more susceptible to water intrusion due to seal deterioration around the original flashings. Clear all vegetation and organic matter out of the gutters to ensure proper water drainage. Inspect your shingles to look for any cracks, tears, streaks, or granular loss that indicate signs of hail damage. Also look for any shingles that are cupped, popped, or blown off due to nail pops from wind damage. Trim any low-hanging branches or limbs that are too close to your roof or hanging directly over your roof. This will prevent the branches from scratching or penetrating your roof during heavy winds and storms. Visually inspect the vent pipe boots for any tears or cracks, keep in mind that they need to be replaced every 5 years due to long term UV ray exposure. While inspecting the roof, pay close attention to the ridge cap and vent, make sure they are flat and secured properly. Consistently check your attic for proper ventilation and leaks. Some signs of this would include mold or mildew, discoloration, warped wood, or heavy moisture inside of the attic. Check the intake vents and exhaust vents for any debris or obstructions that are restricting airflow throughout the attic. Blocked vents can be cleaned either using compressed air to blow out the debris, or a long-bristled broom to push out the debris. Doing this once or twice a year will keep your roof protected from condensation during the winter and cut down your air conditioning expenses during the summer.

If any potential problems have been found during your routine inspection, call a certified contractor and they will repair any damage that is necessary. Minor fixes done properly will prevent major problems from occurring over time; the sooner it is caught and addressed the more cost effective it will be. Some minor repairs that might be necessary include gutter repairs, chimney flashing or valley replacement, damaged shingle repair or replacement, and caulking or patching any deteriorated flashings. A great suggestion for both the contractor, and the homeowner, is to keep a log or record of any repairs that have been made to the roof system. Take photographs of the roof and work performed when able to. Doing so is a dependable way to collect data and create a roof history for the homeowner, allowing for cheaper and more effective repairs in the future. Rather than relying on memory alone, you and the contractor will know exactly what materials were used, what the problem was, and how it was repaired, regardless of how much time has passed. If you notice any deficiencies or have any problems with your roof, call WeatherTite Roofing for a free and informative roof evaluation. We specialize in all types of roof repairs and replacements and would be happy to discuss your options with you.