Getting a new roof is a big investment, and it’s one of the best things you can do to make your home look nicer and to protect it for years to come. The average lifespan of a roof can last between 15 and 50 years. Why is there such a big range? Because not all roofing materials are created equal, and not all homeowners properly care for their roofs.
If you want to get the longest lifespan out of your roof, here are three things you absolutely must do.
Maintenance is Key
Consistent maintenance is the key to making your roof last longer. The good news is you don’t have to be a roofing expert, nor do you have to do anything weekly or even monthly to upkeep your roof. Twice a year is enough time to perform maintenance and inspections necessary to keep your roof in good shape.
There are a few things you should do every spring and fall:
- Fully clean leaves, debris, etc. from gutters. This will allow water to flow freely off the roof in the warm months and prevent ice dams from forming in the winter months.
- Visually inspect the roof for damage. Some of the things you want to look for are sagging, damaged or loose shingles, and wet spots.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
While you can always call a professional company to repair worn and leaky areas of your roof, you are better off being proactive in preventing leaks and other issues from occurring. Some of the best things you can do to avoid damage to your roof include:
- Properly insulating your attic and making sure your house is well ventilated. This will prevent water and frost from building up and damaging your roof.
- Replacing old and worn out gutters.
- Properly trimming trees on your property to avoid branches breaking and falling on your roof.
Choose the Right materials
When it comes to roofing materials, and roofing companies, going the least expensive route isn’t always the best thing for your home. Less expensive shingles tend to fail a lot sooner because lower quality materials are used in manufacturing the shingle. Metal roofing will last far longer than asphalt shingles, wood shakes may last longer but will require much more maintenance and costs to keep up than other materials. Ask your roofing contractor about the maintenance and estimated lifespan of each material before you make your final decision.
Most importantly of all, don’t base your entire decision to hire a company on price alone. If a roofing company’s price sounds too good to be true, it likely is. The costs of replacing a poor roofing job from a bad company will set you back a lot of money. Always work with a trusted and reliable company who has a good reputation in your area.
At Schmidt Roofing, we are always happy to provide you with a free estimate and a whole lot of advice. Just reach out to us and we will be happy to advise you on your roofing project.
