How Can I Extend the Life of My Roof?

Each year causes more havoc on your roof. Rain, wind, sun, ice and snow can all shed years off your roof’s lifespan since they can cause premature aging. Whether your roof is old or brand-new, there are things you can do to extend its life and keep it in good shape as long as possible.

Make Regular Roof Inspections
If you have skylights, inspect them and repair them if needed. Check your chimney’s flashing to ensure it’s not deteriorating. Check your vents to make sure they are working properly and aren’t blocked. Inspect your attic ceilings and your roof for signs of interior or exterior damage, wear, mold, structural problems, leaks or rot. Be sure to repair these kinds of things immediately since when you don’t repair them right away, it can lead to costly fixes over time.

Inspect your Gutter
Your gutters can be easy to overlook, but are very important to inspect, particularly during the rainy season. Leaves and other debris can clog up gutters and weigh them down to the point where they pull apart from your home completely. If you don’t keep an eye on your gutters, it can result in costly expenses later on. Twice a month is adequate for checking your gutters.

Use Roof Coating
You can find environmentally-friendly and economical roof coating to protect your roof against weathering. If you have asphalt shingles, you should try RoofKeeper and if you have sheet-metal roofing, RoofSkin. Both are applied to your roof like you would paint. They are meant to protect your roof from strong winds and severe climate. The coating stays flexible, is ultra-adherent and lasts for up to 10 years.

Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is imperative to the life of your roof. You need to remove any dirt, dust or debris that can block proper attic ventilation. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent ice damming which can damage your roof. Ice damming is where water forms and freezes from melting snow along your roofline edge. If left untouched, the ice can grow big enough preventing water from melting snow to drain off your roof properly. A good way to ensure you have proper attic ventilation is by installing an attic fan.

Don’t skimp out on hiring professionals to come help you extend the life of your roof. Your home is a huge investment and your roof is a big part of it. You want it to last as long as possible to help save you thousands of dollars. It’s a good idea to have a professional come in and inspect your roof at least once a year.

Want to learn more about attic fans? Give us a call here at Whole House Fan. We’d love to answer your questions. 1.888.229.5757