Ways to extend the life of your roof

Your roof is a key component of your property. It is a defence against rain, storms, ice, heat and even strong winds. Your roof stands between the interior of your home and the exterior world. Installing or replacing a roof is not a minor expense and therefore once you have committed resources to installing a new roof or repairing your existing roof then it is important that you enjoy the proceeds of this investment. In addition to normal wear and tear, the biggest factor that affects your roof is the weather. Unfortunately we do not have any control over the weather. Here we outline some key tips that can help you extend the life of your roof.
 
Regular Inspections
It is important to identify and resolve issues with your roof at a very early stage as it is less expensive. For this reason, we advise that you have regular visual inspections of your roof. Take strategic positions around your roof and note if you can see anything odd e.g. broken roof tiles, cracks to the roof or even the changes in colour of sections of your roof. If you find any material problem then please contact your local roofing expert for a thorough inspection. Any issues identified should be resolved to keep your roof in good shape.
 
Avoid pressure washing
Pressure washing may seem like a good way of cleaning your roof but the concentrated spray can loosen the granules from the roof’s top coating and resulting in damage that is not covered by the roof warranty. It is better to use a long broom or a leave blower to remove dirt and moss from your roof. For safety reasons, we recommend that you hire a professional to do this job. If you feel your roofer would be expensive then hire a handyman to get the job done. It should not take more than an hour.
 
Clean Gutters
Cleaning the gutters regularly from debris and leaves prevents the clogging up that can cause a lot of damage to your roof. It will also prevent the build-up of water that could lead to leaks in the long term. Gutters are great as they protect the roof by directing water away from your roof and your home. When debris builds up it can trap water in the gutter causing it to rust or break away. It can also trap ice which may lead to you replacing the entire gutter and this will cost money.

We advise that you have a thorough clean of your gutters at least twice a year. If possible install gutter guards as they prevent the build up of debris and leaves thereby leaving the gutter to channel water away.

Trim overhanging tree branches
Heavy tree limbs that might brush against and erode roofing materials should be kept away from the roof. Where there are trees or overhanging branches they must be trimmed regularly and must not touch the roof. Overhanging branches bring leaves on the roof which trap moisture and start to rot the tiles. If unresolved for a while this would lead to long term damage to the roof.
 
Fortify your roof
In areas prone to storms, strong winds and icy conditions, it is important to adopt the three stage treatment to fortify or protect your roof. The stages are to seal decking with a sealant or special tape then use ring-shank nails to helps resist wind uplift and finally lock down the roof’s edges with metal flashing. Find a qualified local roofer to guide you through this process as the long term benefits are immense.
 
Shingles
Keep an eye out for missing or damaged roof shingles. Regular cleaning of the shingles keep them free of dirt and can also reduce the risk of algae, moss and fungal growth that can affect your roof structure. When you notice damaged, missing or worn shingles, our advice is to get them replaced as quickly as possible. We always advice you engage a professionally trained roofer to fix them. Shingles are inexpensive to replace.
 
Our advice is that your roof is properly maintained. From our experience, identifying problems at an early stage and dealing with them is the most cost effective strategy for preserving your roof and keeping it going for a very long time. Call our friendly team for a chat if anything is unclear.
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