Your home’s roofing system has an important job; it protects you and your family from the elements, in addition to contributing to a comfortable, energy-efficient residence. Depending on the material, your roof should last at least 20 years, providing you keep it well-maintained. 

4 Maintenance Tips to Increase the Life Span of Your Roof

1. Clean the Gutters Regularly

Clean your gutters every spring and fall, or more often if you live in a heavily wooded area. Gutters are necessary parts of any roofing system because they provide a place for rainwater and melting snow to drain. If they become clogged with leaves, twigs, animal nests, and other debris, rainwater and melting snow back up under your shingles. This results in underlayment damage, leaks, and mold and mildew growth, as well as buckling shingles.

2. Install Attic or Crawl Space Insulation

Snow melts following contact with warm, uninsulated attic air and refreezes to form ice dams along your roof’s edge. Ice dams are not only potentially dangerous to anyone who walks under them, but they place extra weight on your roof and might cause leaks. By insulating your attic and crawl space, you’ll reduce the chances of ice dams forming on your roof.

3. Check Your Roof After Every Storm

Check your roof following every major storm for missing or broken shingles, flashing damage, gutter problems, and anything else that could become an issue. Have a friend or family member hold a ladder so that you can safely inspect your roof for damage and excessive debris. If you cannot remove a fallen tree branch yourself, hire a professional removal service.

4. Schedule Repairs Before They Become Serious

Your local roofing company can easily replace shingles and flashing, remove large debris deposits, and ensure the system is not experiencing any major problems. You should also schedule professional inspections on an annual basis as another preventive measure.

 

Take the best care of your roof by working with a licensed and insured roofing company. Rodriguez Roofing is the Better Business Bureau^®-accredited and fully licensed and insured company you want on retainer. Known for affordable pricing and 24/7 emergency care, in addition to professional roofing services, this Kannapolis, NC-based company has served Cabarrus and Rowan counties for over a decade. Call (704) 938-1911 today to schedule a free consultation.