Getting a new roof is a big investment. Finding effective roof care tips is just like finding gold in a desert. Let’s dig in, read on to learn how to buy more time for your roof.
How Long Does A Roof Last?
Don’t let the average estimate claims fool you. The lifespan of a roof varies depending on its material. Experts agree on the following lifespan for these materials;
- Copper, Tile, or Slate roof can last for up to 50 years with proper maintenance.
- The wooden roof lasts for 30 years with good care.
- Fiber cement shingle roofs can last up to 25 years.
- Asphalt-based roof lasts for 20 years.
Of course, all of these materials require regular maintenance to increase their lifespan. Another factor that reduces the lifespan of a roof is the natural weather and climate conditions of your region.
How often do you need to clean your roof?
With all the talk about cleaning your roof regularly, you must now want to know how often you should clean your roof.
Here is a convenient break-up of information for you, so you can understand better;
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Removing Debris
Repeat this process after 3 to 5 years. If you live in areas with extreme climate conditions, you should consider opting for an inspection after a hurricane or heavy storm.
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Cleaning the Gutters
A thorough cleaning of all gutters should be done every year.
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Personal Inspection
Once in a couple of months, just check your roof out for good measure. If you feel that anything is out of the ordinary, you should get professional help. Roof inspection should be done after a storm or extreme climate conditions too.
Let’s move on to the more pressing question; How can I make my roof last longer?
These roof care tips will help you increase the lifespan of your roof, and may make you chuckle while you’re at it.
1. Maintenance Activities
How do you maintain a roof? It is actually not that difficult. Roof maintenance is necessary to add more years to your roof’s lifespan. Carry out these maintenance activities regularly;
- Get Rid of Leaves: Unlike your McDonald’s burger, leaves do decompose. This process of decomposition damages your roof in more ways than one. If left unmanaged, this can lead to your roof growing greenery of itself.
- Get Rid of Moss: Moss cannot be good for your roof. Inspect regularly for moss, and if you see any growth, get rid of it sooner than Taylor Swift loses her boyfriends.
- Get Rid of Rust: Rust is a very real threat to your roof. Once it forms, it only grows and rots your roof. Rust is like roof cancer, so call in professional help to take care of your roof.
- Clean The Gutters: Gutters get clogged more often than Trump tweets. This leads to more issues than just roof damage. Ruined paint around the area is a classic pointer that your gutters are clogged. Don’t let it get to that point, and clean your gutters regularly.
2. Don’t Let Ice Dams Form
I know ice dams on your roof give it a nice aesthetic look. Don’t get carried away. These are very dangerous for your roof. Proper insulation ensures that your roof stays in harmony with the outside temperature. You can use a roof rake to remove the ice. Ensure your personal safety in this matter, or better leave this job to the pros.
3. Trim Your Trees
If there are trees around your house, make sure you trim the branches around your roof. In case of severe climate conditions, these branches may break and snap your roof. Trees, and bushes, should be trimmed every once in a while. It’s not the 80’s.
4. Chimney Care Matters!
If your chimney is damaged, it poses a very real risk to your roof. Damaged chimneys shed bricks onto your roof that leads to very expensive repairs. Avoid bricks falling through the roof, like the good Jumanji movie, by taking proper care of your chimney.
5. Sealant Check
Inspect areas of the roof where the sealant is applied. If you can see signs of wear and tear, you should apply a new sealant to the area without any delay.
6. Shingles Check
Regular cleaning of the shingles lowers the chances for moss or rust. It is a good practice to clean the shingles once in a couple of months or as per your convenience. If you hate bending over, you can always hire help to clean the shingles.
7. Attic’s Role
Proper ventilation and insulation in your attic is very necessary, even if it is not a living space. Passage of air through the attic will help keep the temperatures regulated, which is good for your roof.
8. Leakage Kills
Make sure your roof is watertight. You don’t want any sort of leakage, because it can weaken the whole structure of your house. It’s like smoking for your house, but worse.
9. Don’t Go For Dark Colors
Leave the dark colors for fashion runways, and go for lighter tones for your roof. The darker colors absorb more heat and shorten the lifespan of your roof. Yeah, Science!
Hopefully, you will find these roof maintenance ideas helpful.
We went one step further to bring you material-specific roof cleaning guidelines. These guidelines are in addition to the ones mentioned above. Give these a read too.
More Roof Care Tips
1. Asphalt Roofs
The most commonly used material for roofing in the country; is widely considered a low-maintenance option. Here are some material-specific guidelines for the maintenance of Asphalt roofs.
- Look for Floor Flashings: Strips of aluminum or steel are fixed above the joints to prevent rainwater from trickling down into your house. Regularly inspect for cracks in these sheets to avoid long-term damage.
- Loose Shingles: Examine the roof to make sure that the shingles are not loose in any area. Repairing loose shingles right away is necessary. Damaged or missing shingles should be replaced with new ones without a second thought.
2. Wood Shingle-Shake Roofs
In contrast to other materials, wooden roofs may require the most attention. Dryness is imperative for the long life of a wooden roof.
- Secure it from all sorts of moisture with regular care. Any development of leaves or debris should be cleaned out right away.
- Another important thing for wooden roofs is proper ventilation of air.
3. Rubber Roofs
This type of roof is noted for its long life. Roof life can span up to 50 years with proper care.
- Use a sponge mop to apply water-resistant rubber roof treatment for increased protection.
- You can use a rubber-specific cleaning solution and a medium-bristle cleaning brush to clean your rubber roof from stains, spots, and chalking. This can be done twice a year.
After cleaning your roof, make sure it has dried completely before you start walking on it. A slippery rubber roof can be dangerous.
Wait! There’s more. Didn’t we promise this blog contains all the information you need? At Corey and Corey Roofers, we keep our promises.
A common question that we get asked a lot is; what is the best material for the roof?
Experts agree that Asphalt is the best material for roofs. Why?
- Low Maintenance
- Reasonable Pricing
- Looks Expensive
- Plethora of Options
More than 70% of single-family homes across the country have Asphalt roofs. If you take good care of them, they will offer you great value for money.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor in Cape Cod
Now that you know about all roof care tips, it is time to talk about choosing roofing contractors. Every once in a while, you will need to hire the services of a roofing contractor. So, it is best to know what to look for.
- Always opt for an experienced roofing company.
- The contractor should be responsive and professional.
- Hire a company that promises a quality job, rather than a cheap job. When you go for a cheap job, it will cost you a lot more in the long run.
- Ask for a warranty on material, as well as labor. A company that uses the best material with the right practices should not worry about giving a guarantee.
Care is better than cure; especially in this case because a new roof will cause a dent in your savings. If you are looking for the best roofers in the Cape Cod area and its surroundings, look no further than Corey & Corey The Roofers. With us, you get the best materials, experienced professionals, quality work, and the right practices that secure warranties. Get in touch at 508-775-8240 for a free estimate.
