The most cost-effective roofing option available is asphalt shingles. The average life of an asphalt shingle roof is about 20 years, but they can last even longer with proper maintenance. These shingles are essential for protecting the home from water damage and storms. Proper maintenance and repairs will help them last longer and help you save money on the cost of roof replacement.
If you own an asphalt shingle roof, you should know that proper maintenance can help prolong its life. A few basic maintenance steps include cleaning gutters, trimming trees, and cleaning off snow. Here are some additional tips to extend the life of your shingles.
Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters cause numerous roofing issues, including pooling water, which causes premature deterioration of shingles. Additionally, clogged gutters collect leaves and other debris, which coat the roof and cause rot and cracking. Clogged gutters can also lead to chimney repairs.
To prevent clogged gutters, clean your gutters regularly. A good roof cleaner will also provide free inspections of your gutters and roof. A professional can help you determine if your roof needs replacement. A thorough cleaning will extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof.
The first step in gutter cleaning is to gather all leaves and debris. Debris from the gutters can lead to a buildup of moisture, one of the leading causes of asphalt roof damage. A clean roof will also reduce the risk of leaks and mold. You can use a pressure washer or a low-pressure garden hose to clear the gutters. Alternatively, a local roofing company can clean the roof for you.
Aside from clearing debris from the gutters, it would be best to trim tree branches to prevent clogging. Overhanging limbs can scratch and damage your roof.
Trim Your Trees
It is essential to keep your trees trimmed to prevent them from damaging your roof. Overhanging branches can be knocked down by storms and cause roof holes. Trees can also clog gutters and create moisture and mold buildup. In addition, they can attract pests, including rodents. These animals can chew through wood and wires on your roof.
To prevent your asphalt shingle roof from becoming damaged, trim trees and shrubs close to your roof. You should also remove debris from your gutters and attic. The shingles on your roof are especially vulnerable to wind, water, and debris damage.
Tree trimming is necessary to keep leaves and moss off your roof. It also keeps the roof from being exposed to high winds. Branches that are overhanging also allow rodents to chew on the roof. Tree trimming can be a DIY project, or you can hire a professional service to do the job.
Clear Debris From The Roof
One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof is to clear debris from it regularly.
Debris, like leaves and twigs, can build up on your roof and trap moisture. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage the shingles and shorten the lifespan of your roof. In addition, debris can also block gutters and downspouts, causing water to back onto the roof.
Clearing debris from your asphalt shingle roof is relatively easy to do yourself. You can use a broom or leaf blower to remove leaves and other light debris.
Clean Off Snow
If you want to extend the life of your asphalt shingled roof, it is crucial to clean off snow and debris from the roof. The weight of the snow and debris can make your roof sag, which in turn can cause it to fail prematurely. Also, remember that bird droppings can eat away at the granules on your shingles. Cleaning your roof with a broom or a garden hose is one of the best ways to remove debris. Never use power washers or pressure washers to clean your roof because they can cause damage to most types of roofs. Also, the water stream can dent metal roofing.
While cleaning off snow and ice from your roof, you should avoid climbing up the ladder with your tools to prevent damage to the shingles. Roof rakes and telescopic shovels are good tools to use. Telescopic shovels and roof rakes cost around $40 each and can help you clear snow and ice from your roof without causing any damage to the shingles.
Clean Off Moss
Moss is not just unsightly – it can also cause damage to your roof, increase your insurance rates, and even cancel your insurance coverage. Use a ladder, rubber-soled boots, and a safety harness to clean off the moss. You can also try bleach, but be aware of the risks. Some bleach can damage your shingles and other materials.
Moss is a porous substance that is quickly soaked by water. Soaking a diluted bleach solution can help remove moss, but be aware that it will cause a runoff that may damage your roof’s surface. If you have a large roof with heavy moss, you may need to use a leaf blower to get rid of the moss.
Before beginning, gather your materials. You may want to spray the moss with water first. You’ll also need a scrub brush with a soft-bristled bristle. Scrub downward, but don’t scrub too hard, as this could bend or break the shingles.
Keep Attic Ventilated
It is vital to keep your attic well-ventilated to prolong the life of your asphalt shingle roof. Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup, contributing to premature aging and structural damage to your roof. It also prevents mold and mildew growth, which can harm your health. In addition, a properly ventilated attic protects your roof from damage caused by heat and moisture.
Proper attic ventilation can save you money on energy bills and keep your roof in good condition. Proper ventilation will allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter. Proper ventilation will increase the life of your roof by reducing your heating and cooling costs. Also, improper ventilation will increase the risk of mold growth, damaging the shingles and the underlying roof decking.
Proper ventilation is also necessary to prevent black mold and other respiratory problems. If your attic doesn’t have adequate ventilation, this can cause allergic reactions and other health conditions in you and your family. A professional inspecting your attic to ensure it is adequately ventilated is also a good idea.
Get an Annual Roof Inspection
Having an annual roof inspection will help you avoid costly repairs and save you time. An annual inspection will also catch small leaks before they become more significant. Most roofing companies will cover the cost of minor repairs during the inspection. A regular inspection will ensure that your roof will be in good shape for many years.
An annual inspection can also help you file insurance claims more efficiently. Roofing inspection reports from roofers can prove to your insurance provider that you had regular maintenance and that the damage was pre-existing. An annual inspection can also tell you if your roof has a leak or damage caused by overhanging branches.
The inspector will inspect the roof from both the inside and the outside. He will look for signs of sagging and unevenness. He will also inspect the soffit and the gutter system. In addition, he will check your chimney and see if there are cracks or crumbling grout.
Fix Damaged Shingles
Storm damage can cause a lot of damage to your shingle roof. Heavy winds can rip shingles, and trees can fall onto your roof. Hail is also a problem, but luckily, it doesn’t often cause much damage to the shingles themselves. Call a professional roofer to inspect the damage if your roof is hit by hail.
Shingles are subject to damage due to sun, rain, and high winds, but it’s possible to extend their life with preventative maintenance. Cleaning your roof regularly, checking for leaks and soft spots, and applying protective treatments to damaged shingles can keep your roof looking great for years.
Proper maintenance is vital to extend the life of your asphalt shingled roof. Regular inspections and repairs can extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof. Proper roof maintenance will help you prevent serious problems.
Insulate Your Home
Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roofs in America, but they don’t last forever. By taking some simple steps to insulate your home, you can extend the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof and avoid costly repairs.
Adding insulation to your attic is one of the best ways to extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof. Attic insulation helps keep the heat in your home from escaping through the roof, which can cause the shingles to break down over time.
Another way to extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof is to ensure no gaps or cracks around doors and windows. These gaps can let in moisture, damaging the shingles and shortening their lifespan.
