Source: Pixabay.com
No residential roof will last forever. The inevitable wear and tear over the years eventually lead to irreparable degradation. There are deliberate steps you can take to extend your roof’s lifespan. Here are some practical tips to make sure you extract the most life out of your home’s roof.
1. Regular Maintenance
There are a lot of things that could potentially age your roof quicker than they should. It’s not possible to predict with absolute certainty just what could be the trigger for your roof’s accelerated aging.
So whether your roof is newly installed or was fitted decades ago, develop a roof inspection and maintenance schedule. Poor or irregular roof maintenance is one of the leading causes of premature aging of residential roofs. A roof problem could creep up on you unnoticed, leaving you with a significant expense in your hands that may include contracting a roof replacement service such as https://www.floridaroofing.com.
Inspecting the roof is dangerous. Slips and falls can be fatal or lead to serious injury. Limit your roof inspection efforts on what can be seen from ground level or via a drone camera. For a more thorough inspection, leave it to the professionals.
2. Clean and Clear
Your home’s roof will regularly accumulate dirt and debris. The nature and severity of this accumulation will vary depending on location. Dirt and debris together with snow, rain, and mold can gradually exert strain on your roof and accelerate wear.
Your home’s structural integrity could weaken gradually, and this leads to premature cracking of the roof. In severe cases of roof deterioration, blocked or overflowing gutters could exert enough strain on the roof that leads to its collapse.
Therefore, clean your gutters regularly. You could work with a schedule depending on how much and how quickly dirt and debris accumulate. However, leave room for unplanned cleanings, such as after a heavy snowstorm. Install gutter guards to keep leaves out. Trim any tree branches hanging over your roof.
3. Check Supports
Roofs are designed to last for decades. Still, they do require support to hold them in place. Roof trusses provide support and can negate the need for columns. They span the roof’s width.
While fairly reliable, roof trusses can weaken over time. It’s crucial to regularly inspect roof trusses in older homes to pick up early signs of damage. When left unchecked, weakening roof trusses can lead to larger, more expensive problems in the future.
Roof trusses are not a monolith, though, and different types have their advantages and disadvantages. If you plan to install roof trusses, you must identify the kind that’s the best fit for your home’s requirements.
4. Keep an Eye on Dry Rot
Dry rot can lead to the complete collapse of your roof. It is one thing you want to catch and fix early. When roof timbers begin to rot, the shingles grow brittle and start to fall off. The water that makes its way through the gaps can cause streaks and cracks. If you notice any of these signs, contact a roof repair service urgently.
Yes, there are plenty of DIY guides on the Internet that explain the process of treating dry rot. However, treating the rot can be a risky undertaking, and a lot can go wrong if you lack the proper training or equipment. The cost savings of performing the repair yourself won’t matter if you end up spending on expensive unraveling that could eventually occur.
Too Important to Leave to Chance
The roof is a critical part of your home. It shelters you from nature’s elements while also serving as a deterrent for intruders who’d want to gain access to your home from above.
Yet, because it is not like the door, floor, or wall that you will glance at numerous times a day, your residential roof can easily be overlooked. It is only when a leak or crack is evident that inspection and repair actions commence. Unfortunately, this reactive approach does not augur well for the roof’s lifespan.
By applying the tips covered here, you could extend your roof’s lifespan by years.
