Five Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Roof

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ROOF

Although most roofs can last 20 years or more, many factors can still cause extensive damage. You can easily extend the lifespan of your roof by including routine maintenance and prevention to identify problems early and stop them before they spread. Small, steady maintenance habits add years to your roof. Follow these five tips to extend the life of your roof.

SCHEDULE ROUTINE INSPECTIONS

You can keep an eye on your roof with small visual inspections, but be sure to have it inspected by a professional at least once a year. Having routine professional inspections can greatly increase the lifespan of your roof, and they're a key part of maintaining your new roof over the long haul. Many homeowners agree that scheduling an evaluation following the harshest weather months is optimal. While we don’t see much snow or rain in San Diego, keep in mind that prolonged sun exposure can also be damaging to a roof.

REPAIR DAMAGES QUICKLY 

If and when an inspection turns up damages, don’t wait to make repairs. Putting off repairing any damage, even damage that appears to be minor, can have very negative consequences. A small leak can find its way into your home, causing severe water damage. There is a real hidden cost to putting off a roof repair, and it can also lead to the growth of mold, which if not treated early, can put the health of you and your family at risk.

Your roof is responsible for protecting your entire home and everything in it. By neglecting roof damage, you are exposing your home to a multitude of issues.

ADD PROTECTIVE COATINGS 

San Diego weather is some of the most beautiful in the nation. However, our sunny skies can cause wear on roofing materials. Harmful UV rays age your shingles and are damaging to roofs. Homeowners can lessen the impact of sun damage by adding a protective coating to increase the roof’s life and protect it from UV rays. For a closer look, our video on how to properly maintain your roof walks through this and other simple upkeep steps. 

PRUNE BACK LANDSCAPING 

Trees, creeping ivy, and wall-mounted beds are excellent landscaping additions. However, any landscaping near the roof can be a potential threat to the roof’s life. Trees can cause the most damage if they are unhealthy or damaged in a storm, but other plants can act as a bridge for wildlife or cause a pile-up of leaves. Keeping your roof out of the way of harm and free from clutter is essential. 

KEEP GUTTERS CLEAN 

If your gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, they cannot serve their purpose, which is why it pays to know how often you should really clean your gutters. When it rains, the water will not be able to drain properly, redirecting it to your roof. Water will begin to pool, which can lead to mold and soft spots. Eventually, water may find its way beneath the surface and threaten the structural integrity of your home. Keep this in mind as we descend upon the fall season and gutters begin to fill with fallen leaves.

When gutters and downspouts clog up, water can back up onto the roof. Pooling water can cause soft spots and mold on your roof. Soft spots will eventually lead to damaging leaks.

Learn how to extend the life of your roof or schedule a roofing consultation by contacting Resilient Roofing today. Serving the local San Diego community since 1967, we look forward to meeting your roofing needs.