A new roof can be one of the most costly investments for a homeowner. It is essential to care and maintain your roof to avoid expensive repairs. Taking steps to extend the life of your roof can save you thousands of dollars.
There are many steps you can take to extend the life of your roof. Know when your roof was last replaced, especially if you have recently purchased your home. By maintaining consistent care through maintenance, inspection, and repair, you can help to preserve the roof in the best possible form.
If it is time to replace your roof, contact Paramount Exteriors for a free inspection. We are experts in roof repair and will give you an honest, trustworthy estimate. We always work with your insurance company to ensure you have an easy replacement that does not break your wallet.
If you have recently had a new roof placed on your home or are only looking to extend the life of your current roof, these suggestions can help you to avoid your next repair.
How to Care For Your Roof
It is crucial to make sure your attic is adequately insulated to extend your roof’s life. Shingles on your roof absorb heat. If an attic is not protected, it may radiate heat, thus damaging the roof’s shingles through decay.
Insulation mustn’t block the vents in your attic. Proper insulation will help to keep your energy bill affordable, while also providing a comfortable environment for the rooms below the attic.
Roof damage often can occur from the inside out, beginning in the attic. Thus ventilation of your attic is crucial to extend the life of your roof.
Proper ventilation allows cool air to enter the attic while allowing for warm and humid air to escape. Too much moisture can not only cause mold in your attic but also damage the roof. There are many different types of vents, so it is crucial to work with a professional to determine what vent will work best for your roof style.
Roof Maintenance
The most critical factor in extending your roof’s life is to start with quality materials and work with expert roofers. Costly roof options such as tile or metal may last longer compared to asphalt shingle roofs, but may not be an option based on your budget. Professional roofers can help determine the best option to fit your needs.
A quality, reputable company, is important to ensure the job is done correctly with quality material. They can also help with roof cleaning, which can significantly extend the life of your roof.
Cleaning your roof protects the shingles of your roof, ultimately extending its life. Cleaning can help remove damaging algae, which may damage or stain your roof. Cleaning your roof adds appeal, protects the shingles, and extends the life of your roof.
When a new roof is required, you may want to consider a light-colored roof. This can extend the life of your roof by reducing the roof temperature, limiting long-term damage. Roof materials such as clay tiles and shingles are available in reflective materials, reducing thermal cost while promoting solar reflection.
Roof Protection
Maintaining your gutters is crucial to extending the life of your roof. If your gutters are continuously clogged, the water may pool on your roof. This can lead to roof deterioration. Keeping your gutters clean by removing debris yourself or with the assistance of a roofer will help maintain your roof.
Trimming branches off trees near your roof can also help to protect your roof. If leaves are unable to fall off of the roof on their own, moisture will accumulate. Leaves can also get trapped and clog your gutters.
Finally, there is a risk for branches to fall and damage your roof, especially if there is a storm. If tree branches are trimmed regularly, it can significantly extend the life of your roof.
In the winter, it is important to watch for ice dams that may form as the snow melts and refreezes. The build-up of the ice is of concern because it can push roofing materials apart and cause water to infiltrate the roof system. Proper attic ventilation can assist in reducing the thaw, refreeze cycle that causes this formation.
You might also consider roof insulation for existing roof systems. Different materials work with various roof types and slopes. Insulation options include latex and acrylic barriers, bituminous asphalt, elastomeric coatings, fibered coatings, and polystyrene or rigid foam panels.
Roof Inspections
Your roof should be inspected one time per year. Regular inspections are vital in extending the life of your roof. Small repairs such as resealing weak spots may be necessary for proper roof maintenance.
If there has been a major storm, it is wise to request an inspection. Hail damage is serious and can lead to expensive repairs if not dealt with.
Roofers can determine if any immediate concerns need to be addressed. They can also give you additional tips specific to your roof to extend its life and avoid costly repairs. Taking these steps can add years to the life of your roof.
Paramount Exteriors is happy to partner with you for all of your roofing needs. Whether it is a partial or full replacement, maintenance, or repairs, we are here to assist. We want to help you to extend the life of your roof and avoid replacement.
Replacing a roof can be costly and may not be necessary. Contact Paramount Exteriors for a free, no-obligation inspection today! We service Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and surrounding areas of South Dakota. We will do what we can to care for your roof and establish a life long, trustworthy partnership.