3 Simple Ways to Increase the Life of Your Roof

Roofing is an essential aspect of any house, and it is a good idea to ensure it is in the best possible condition. Replacing and repairing the roof is more expensive compared to other things like flooring and plumbing. A good roof should be able to last for a long time, and the longer it lasts, the more money you save.

Having to replace your roofing within a few years will prove to be very expensive. You should be aware of a few ways you can ensure your roofing last long and saves you a lot in the process. Below are some great tips that will go a long way in helping you increase the life of your roof.

Make Regular Inspections

Often homeowners opt not to do an inspection and will only do something about their roofing when there is a problem. Of course, many roofing problems can be quickly repaired, but it can shorten the lifespan of the roof in the process. You should always do regular inspections to identify any problem with the roofing and have them fixed within the shortest time possible.

The process of inspecting the roofing is not complicated; you just need a ladder. If you don’t feel comfortable climbing a ladder or don’t find time to do it, consider hiring a roofing company to do it for you. Check for both interior and exterior damage, leaks, mold, wear, structural problems, and rot. When you find a problem, have it fixed because the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to repair and also shorten the life of your roofing.

Proper Attic Ventilation

Poor attic ventilation has been shown to cause some problems with premature aging of a roof. In the summer months, the temperatures in attics that don’t have proper ventilation will reach 160 degrees. Air that is this hot can easily penetrate the insulation of the attic, and make it hard to keep the home cool. This can result in damage to your paint and wallpaper on the floor directly below. The hot air can also ‘’fry’’ the shingles and cause them to decay more rapidly, and the rafter that holds the roof can become weak by cracking and warping.

During the winter, many household appliances such as showers, bathtubs, and cooking vapors can easily cause the buildup of excess moisture. If the attic hasn’t been adequately ventilated, it will cause the moisture to build up and cling under the roofing. It will then condense and fall, which ends up soaking the insulation of the attic.

Clean The Roof

Asphalt shingle roofs that are consistently shaded from the sun can attract the growth of algae that will feed off the microscopic particles that are in limestone, used in the manufacturing of shingles. Roof cleaning should be done professionally. It will protect the shingles which in turns increase the life of the roof. Cleaning will also improve efficiency because the darker the roof the more heat it generates.