No matter how old your roof is now, you want to squeeze as many years as you can from it since a roof replacement is an expensive undertaking. Keeping up with repairs is a good way to prolong the life of your roof since damage tends to escalate with time. Here are some tips for getting the most life from your asphalt shingle roof.
Keep Trees Trimmed
Trees are a roof hazard because they scrape off granules when the branches move and the branches can fall on the shingles and damage them. Trees can grow fast when the season changes and bushy branches turn into problems before you realize it. Hire a tree trimmer to cut back branches so they won't come near your roof even when they're heavy with rain.
If you notice an area where the granules have been scraped off or the shingles have cracked, call a roofer to make repairs. Quick replacement of damaged shingles prevents damage to the deck of your roof. Once the deck has water damage, it has to be cut out and replaced.
Clean Out the Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof by blocking the drainage of rain. Cleaning out gutters isn't a fun chore, but it's one that has to be done to protect your roof. You can hire someone to clean the gutters for you if you can't do it yourself and that could save you from costly roof repairs or a replacement later on.
Ensure Adequate Attic Ventilation
Proper ventilation is important for your attic during all seasons of the year. Ventilation is usually automatic due to the effect of warm air rising. Air is drawn in through the vents in the soffit and it goes out through ridge vents on top of the roof. If that process isn't enough, roofing services can install a fan that helps the process along. Adequate ventilation prevents the deterioration of asphalt shingles from excess heat and moisture buildup.
Keep Pests Away from Your Property
Practicing pest control has several benefits for your home and one is to protect your roof. If squirrels, rats, or raccoons hang around your house, they may get on your roof at some point and decide to gnaw through the wood to get inside. Keep trash cans covered and resist the temptation to feed cute squirrels so animals don't become destructive pests. If a rat or squirrel gnaws through the deck or fascia board, be sure to call a roofer to make repairs before rain leaks in and begins the process of water damage to your roof and attic.
Contact local roofing services to learn more about how you can better maintain your asphalt shingle roof.
When you develop a roof leak, you don't have time to ignore it. Issues with leaks can cause problems as simple as incoming water and as wide-ranging as mold accumulation inside your home, which is why you should never let an issue sit. However, if you aren't careful, you could develop problems with roofing that is simply open to the elements, allowing rain and snow to enter your home, melt, and contribute to problems like mold growth. On this blog, you can learn more about the kinds of roofing issues that you could be faced with, and what to do about them.