Make Your Roof Last: Top Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

Here's something not many homeowners know: the average cost of roof replacement can range from $5,000 to $28,000. Considering how costly roof replacement can be, it makes perfect sense to look after your roof accordingly, so it lasts for a very long time. 

Just like contractors insurance, roof maintenance is crucial if you want to protect your investment accordingly. Unfortunately, many homeowners are clueless about where to start when it comes to roof maintenance.

Without proper maintenance, homeowners often end up spending money for roof repair or replacement. Typically, roofs can last for over two decades, given that they are looked after accordingly. Otherwise, you might find yourself replacing them after a few years.

Apart from working with a reputable roofing instructor, keep the following maintenance tips in mind to ensure your roof stays strong and lasts long:

Inspect your roof at least twice a year.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that you do a visual inspection of your roof twice each year—in the early spring and late fall. You don't need to do a thorough inspection, just get up there and see if you find anything that merits further investigation.

For instance, you can check if there are roofing shingles blown off by a recent storm or if there's any noticeable damage to the gutter system during winter. Essentially, a quick look will suffice. Just scan if there's anything alarming that might need professional help.

Have your roof checked by a professional. 

Even if you conduct a visual inspection of your roof twice a year, it is still recommended that you have your roof checked by a professional at least once a year. Roofing contractors can thoroughly inspect and address roofing problems you might have missed.  This is also important, so minor issues are addressed early before they require costly repairs or replacement.

Clean your gutters regularly. 

Well-maintained gutters can help ensure your roof and home are protected from any damage caused by debris and moisture. Check your gutters regularly and get rid of any debris or leaves that are present. This is important so the gutters can continue to drain accordingly and direct water away from your property.

Ensure your roof is adequately ventilated. 

A properly ventilated roof is crucial if you want to maintain the health of your home and roof. Poor ventilation can cause leaks, water damage, energy loss, and many others. In line with this, it is recommended that you check your home's interior to ensure it is properly insulated and there are no signs of moisture, roof leaks, and other issues. 

Ice dams during the winter are a telltale sign of a roof that's not properly ventilated. It is typically caused by an overly warm attic. When they build up, ice dams can cause substantial damage to your roof. Fortunately, proper roof ventilation can also efficiently prevent them.

Look after your chimney. 

If you have a chimney, it is crucial that you monitor and maintain it. A stone or falling brick might cause significant damage to your roof. An old or damaged chimney stack can also fall over and might cause severe roof damage. 

A chimney that's poorly maintained can also become a serious fire hazard for your home. Keep the risk of fire to a minimum by regularly inspecting and cleaning your chimney. You will not only keep fire at bay, you will also protect your roof from potential damage from the stack.

Check the flashing for signs of leaks. 

Flashing is the metal material that is installed around exhaust stacks, chimneys, and other vents. They are designed to prevent water from leaking around their edges. When the flashing is missing, broken, or punctured, it can cause leaks. When the sealant around the flashing fails, it can also cause serious issues.

If you can access your flashing, you can also inspect it and check if water can get past it. If you find anything that looks off, don't hesitate to have the flashing replaced. While this will entail a small investment, installing a new flashing can help warrant you won't have to install a new roof anytime soon.

Trim trees that are near your roof.

If there are large trees hanging over the top of your property, it can become problematic, especially when tree limbs fall on your roof and tear off gutters, knock off shingles, and put holes in your roof. The limbs can also sit on top of your roof and can do damage to them over time. 

In line with this, check if nearby trees need to be trimmed occasionally. This can come at a small cost but it will be worth it if your roof is protected from any damage caused by falling branches.

Wrap Up 

While you eventually have to replace your roof at one point, looking after your roof accordingly can help you buy more time. Also, proper roof maintenance can help ensure minor roof issues are fixed right away so they won't turn into massive and costly problems.