Learning All About Roofing Materials

Wise Homeowner: A Simple Guide To Extend The Life Of Your Roof

29 December 2015

Beverley Hall

Your home is an investment, and you should take care of your investment to ensure that it lasts. One of the most important parts of your home is your roof, and it requires some care and attention. The following guide will offer tips to help you extend the life of your roof and show you how long it can last if you do so.

How Long Can Your Roof Last?

Your roof--with good maintenance and regular inspections from your roof specialist--can last for decades. Consider the following:

• Slate, copper, steel, and tile roofs could last about 50 years
• Wood roofs could last about 30 years
• Fiber cement could last 25 years
• Asphalt shingles and asphalt compositions could last 20 years

Tips to Keep Your Roof in Good Condition

The following simple and general tips should help maintain your roof:

Roof Cleaning

This cleaning will be helpful because the accumulation of grime and debris can trap moisture on your roof, which could damage your roof given enough time. Trapped water and debris can also attract small animals and insects as well. So, just do your best to check your roof periodically and ensure that there is no debris stuck up there. Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts, as grime can get stuck in there as well. 

Damage Tracking

The problem with damage on your roof is that it will continue to expand if you do not deal with it in time. Look for soft spots, mold, or mildew for roofs made of wood or composites. You should also look for missing shingles.

Copper or metal roofs may have rust. You need to do your best to find these areas and have your roof specialist repair them before they damage your roof further. 

Tree Service

Everyone loves to have trees around their property, but you should make sure that your tree service specialist removes any branches that may be too close to your roof. For one, those leaves may get on your roof making your job of cleaning a little harder, and they could also clog your gutters. Another issue you may have is bird waste, which is acidic and also attracts insects. The acidic nature of the waste can also eat some of your roofing material and cause leaks. 

Be sure to talk to your roof specialist to keep up with regular roof inspections so that he or she can keep up with the overall condition of your roof. But, as you can see, there is a lot you can do to help your roof's life expectancy. 

To learn more, contact a company like Homestreet Roofing Inc. 

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