In contrast to a well-maintained roof, which can last for decades without requiring repair, a neglected roof can lead to substantial unexpected costs. Thankfully, there are several options available to Minnesota homeowners who want to make their roofs last longer.
Using High-Quality Roofing Materials
You should think about things like your budget, the style of your home’s architecture and the local environment when you choose roofing materials. While it’s understandable to want to save money in the short term, investing in high-quality materials can pay off in the long run by extending the life of your roof and lowering maintenance costs. The best metal roofing materials can endure severe weather, block off harmful UV rays and keep their shape for a long period of time. Metal roofing or shingles with impact resistance may be the way to go in places where strong winds or heavy snowfall are common. In the same vein, reflective roofing materials can lessen the need for air conditioning in hot weather by reducing heat absorption.
Professional Installation
Professional roofing contractors have the training, experience and equipment to install your roof in accordance with all applicable regulations and manufacturers’ guidelines. Roof lifespan is their top priority; therefore, they pay close attention to details like underlayment, flashing and ventilation. Expert installers can also spot problems like an insufficient roof slope or structural vulnerabilities early on and fix them before they escalate. Plus, having a trained professional install the roof is sometimes a requirement for manufacturers’ warranties to remain effective. While it can be tempting to save money by installing the roof on your own, the risks involved are far too high to justify the potential savings.
Proper Ventilation
For optimal ventilation, your roof should feature an evenly distributed system of intake vents, usually located at the eaves, and exhaust vents, often located at or near the ridge. Your roof’s size, shape and the weather where you live are some of the variables that determine your precise ventilation needs. Asking a roofing expert for advice can help you find the best ventilation system for your house. Having enough ventilation in your attic helps keep the hot air out in the summer, which means less work for your air conditioner and a longer-lasting roof. If there isn’t enough air circulation under the roof, the heat will build up and eventually warp, crack and damage the shingles. When the weather gets cold, proper ventilation helps avoid ice dams by maintaining a constant temperature on the roof. In addition to keeping the attic dry, this helps prevent mold formation, wood decay and damage to roofing materials caused by water condensation.
Removing Debris From the Roof Surface
One easy technique to keep your roof in good condition for a longer period of time is to remove debris from it on a regular basis. Organic debris, such as leaves and branches, can quickly pile up on roofs, particularly in valleys and around chimneys and other architectural features. If the debris stays on the roof for too long, it will eventually rot the roofing materials since it will act as a moisture trap. It may even encourage the development of roof-damaging moss or algae in certain circumstances. Debris buildup also prevents water from flowing freely, which increases the risk of pooling and eventual leaks. You can usually safely remove debris from a roof from the ground by using a long-handled broom or a leaf blower. However, it would be wise to call in the pros if your roof is particularly steep or if there is a lot of debris on it.
Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
When gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris, they can’t effectively divert water away from your roof. Because of this, water may pool behind the shingles, which increases the risk of leaks and water damage to the roof deck and interior areas below. During the winter, this can cause ice dams to form, which can block the gutters completely, causing extensive damage to the roof. To keep water flowing smoothly through your gutters and downspouts, you need to clean them regularly, preferably once in the spring and once in the fall.
Addressing Moss and Algae Growth
The presence of unsightly algae and moss on your roof can shorten its lifespan and detract from its aesthetic value. Moss can develop to the point where it lifts shingles, allowing water to seep in and causing major damage. Algae can eat away at the limestone filling in shingles, making them less durable. The first step in eliminating moss and algae from your roof is to prune any branches that hang over it. This will allow more sunlight to reach your roof due to less shading. A roofing expert can use a light brush or a roof-specific solution, mixed with water, to remove the moss and algae. Pressure washers aren’t worth the risk to shingles since they can rip them off and get water trapped underneath. Putting up copper or zinc strips along the roof ridge is a good long-term preventative measure. The presence of these metals in rainfall makes it impossible for moss and algae to thrive.
Sealing and Waterproofing
Roof penetration sealants, including those around chimneys, vents and skylights, can deteriorate with time, allowing water to seep in and damage the roof. Prolonging your roof’s life and avoiding leaks necessitates examining and resealing these areas. Adding a waterproof coating to a flat or low-slope roof can make it more resistant to water damage. Coatings like these deflect sunlight, which means less heat absorption and maybe even less money spent on cooling. The condition of the underlayment is of the utmost importance for waterproofing shingle roofs. You may want to consider investing in a high-quality synthetic underlayment if you replace your roof to make it more water-resistant.
Trimming Overhanging Branches
While trees add beauty to your property and offer welcome shade, any branches that droop too low might shorten the life of your roof. Roofing shingles and other roofing materials are vulnerable to damage when these branches brush against them in windy weather. Damage to your roof can be substantial if trees or even large branches fall on it during storms. In addition, leaves and other debris can fall from branches that are too close to your roof, which can speed up the deterioration process due to the accumulation of moisture and organic matter. To keep your roof in good repair, you should routinely prune back any branches that touch it within a 10-foot radius. For big trees or those near power lines, it is usually best to get a professional arborist to do the branch trimming.
Now that you know how to make your roof last longer, it’s time to schedule a roof inspection. Schmidt Roofing helps homeowners in Burnsville, MN, and its surrounding areas with roofing solutions of all types as well as siding and gutter installations. We also install windows, skylights, insulation, ventilation systems and more. Call us today to learn more about the different ways to make your roof last longer.
