The roofing system of your home is often an overlooked part of your house but is arguably the most important piece of your home to protect you, your family, and your belongings from the elements outside. A well-constructed asphalt shingle roof can last up to 30 years under the right circumstances, but routine roof maintenance is required to increase the lifespan of your roof. In this article, we will discuss the different actions you can take to keep your roof in tip-top condition.
- Routine Roof Inspections
Routine roof inspections will allow you to keep a record of the condition of your roof as it ages. Keeping a record of the condition of your roof will help tremendously if a storm hits your area and you file an insurance claim for the damage that occurred during the storm. Having a record over the years of the condition of your roof will be indisputable evidence to your insurance company that the damage occurred during the stated storm. Also, getting routine roof inspections will bring your attention to any issue if there is damage to your roof. This will allow you to fix the issue before it becomes a larger problem.
- Routine Leak Maintenance
Routine leak maintenance should be done at least once every two years. There are many pipe jacks and penetrations on your roof. These areas are more susceptible to leaking. Pipe Jacks are one of the only places on your roof that contain exposed nails. All exposed nails are caulked to help prevent leaking, but over time the caulk is repeatedly exposed to the elements and can deteriorate. Re-caulking all exposed nails, re-caulking penetrations, and sealing lifted shingles will significantly decrease the chances of your roof developing a leak.
- Gutter Cleaning
A home’s gutter system is often overlooked as a critical component of your roof’s lifespan. Gutters assist in keeping the water flowing off your roof and keeping your shingles dry. When gutters get filled with debris, the water flow on your roof is interrupted and can cause the water on your roof to sit much longer. When water sits on the roof, this can cause leaks and algae/mold growth, shortening the lifespan of your roof. Simply cleaning the debris out of your gutters when it builds up is an easy way to extend the lifespan of your roof.
- Soft Roof Wash
As previously mentioned in the gutter section, algae and mold can grow on your shingles. When algae, mold, and dirt accumulate on your shingles for a period of time, the structural integrity of the shingles can be compromised. A clean roof is essential to maintaining your roof for the optimal lifespan. Soft roof washing will remove any unwanted dirt or algae on your roof and restore the roof to its original beauty. A solution of diluted Sodium Hydrochloride and surfactant is applied to your roof to kill any algae or mold and wash away any dirt stuck to the shingles.