How To Keep Your Roof Long-Lasting
Your roof is one of the most important structural aspects of your home, and it can also be the most expensive one to replace. A long-lasting roof will save you thousands of dollars in maintenance costs. Choosing the right materials and the right contractor for your roof is a great first step. After your roof has been installed, however, there are several regular maintenance tasks that you can do on your own or with the help of a contractor that will extend the life of your roof.
For many homeowners, the roof is the most expensive and most important part of their house. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to protect and extend the life of this part of your home. Pay attention to these three key factors when repairing or replacing your roof.
1. Choose the right material.
When it’s time for a roof replacement, it’s important to pay attention to the type of material being used. The most common type of residential roof, asphalt shingle, is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. It’s important to look for shingles that incorporate materials that resist algae and mold. They have about the same life expectancy (25 years) as wood shingle roofs. For a much higher investment, however, it’s possible to get a tile, clay, cement, or metal roof. These roofs are extremely fire-resistant and can last up to 100 years.
2. Pay attention to the installation.
Simply replacing the shingles and tar paper is not enough to ensure that your roof will last a long time. You also need to pay attention to the features of the roof that ensure water is drawn away and that air is ventilated properly. Roof vents, louvers, and soffit vents can ensure that air circulates properly between the roof and the house, greatly decreasing the likelihood that heat and moisture will build up between the roof and underlying structure of the house. Also make sure that flashing is installed correctly around chimneys, skylights, and vents. Joints should be staggered and there should be a good amount of overlap between different materials.
3. Perform regular maintenance.
Rain, ice, snow, and heat will all work to destroy your roof. To prevent this, make roof maintenance a part of your regular home maintenance schedule. Regularly look for damaged or missing shingles and have them replaced immediately. This includes shingles that are curling. Also look for dropping or sagging parts of the roof that need to be repaired right away.
