The average roof in Alabama can last about 20 years. But many homeowners will need to replace their roofs even sooner. That’s because general wear and tear, issues that go undetected, or sudden accidents can all impair the quality of your roof and shorten its estimated life.
The good news: there are a few things you can do to maximize the life of your roof and hold off on a total replacement. Here are three ways to extend the life of your roof.
1. Regularly Inspect Your Roof for Damage
Roof damage wears many faces. It could be as obvious as a missing shingle, or as discreet as a loose boot. It might be a tiny pinhole that allows water to seep through the wood and enter your home and go undetected for months (until major water damage starts to accumulate). Or it might be moss or mold that slowly creeps across your roof.
Whatever the type of damage, know that its impact is only going to get worse. Over time, damage that goes unaddressed will shorten the life of your roof and increase the likelihood of needing a full replacement.
Routine inspections each year, as well as visual checkups after every storm or severe weather event, can help you spot issues before they become bigger problems. It’s best to address issues as they arise so that you only have to fix those things. Otherwise, what could have been solved in hours and a few hundred dollars will end up costing you thousands of dollars and several days of disruption to your daily life.
2. Clean Your Roof Each Year
A clean roof isn’t just nice to look at. It’s also vital in extending your roof’s lifespan.
Your roof comes into contact with more dirt, debris, and water than the rest of your home. While the rain washes away a lot of it, sometimes dirt and debris will linger. Moss and algae may start to grow, and eventually spread. And they’re not so easily washed away when it rains.
All the stains and natural growth that form on your shingles can cause your shingles and wood to rot. This is especially the case for areas of your roof that are in the shade. And if you have tree branches that hang over your roof, they provide a food source for moss to continue growing. As it grows, it can cause your roof shingles to curl at the edges, which exposes the underside of your roof to water. Eventually, you may end up with shingle damage, roof leaks, and other issues that will increase your chance of needing a full roof replacement.
Professional roof cleanings help to maintain your roof’s appearance. They also remove any dirt or debris that could turn into more serious issues, helping you to prolong your roof’s life.
3. Invest in Routine Roof Maintenance
The old saying “You don’t know what you don’t know” certainly applies to roof maintenance. Unless you are actively looking for issues, you may not realize that you have damage that needs your attention.
It’s best practice for homeowners to routinely inspect their roofs and factor ongoing maintenance costs into their budgets. Working with a reputable roofing company can save you a lot of time, hassle, and expense over time because small issues can be found and addressed before they become harder and more costly to fix.
We’re your partners in all things roofing. Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection and preserve the life of your roof!
