Your roof is undoubtedly one of the most vulnerable parts of your house because it needs to withstand all sorts of weather conditions, from scorching heat to frigid cold and everything in between. However, its lifespan depends on how well you take care of it! If you want your roof to last as long as possible, there are steps that need to be followed during installation. From shingles to nails, starter strips, and underlayment- these are what make up a quality roof for years ahead. Yes, taking every precaution will ensure this remarkable structure survives for generations more!
What Happens if You Ignore Your Roof?
Residential roofing is very important. Poorly maintained roofs tend to show more wear than they should, including leaks and rotting fascia boards among other things. To avoid these scenarios, use quality materials – they’re worth it in the end because they’ll last much longer than cheaper alternatives.
What You Can Do Yourself to Extend Your Roof’s Life
- Get an annual roof inspection or an inspection after any high wind or hail event. We’ll do it for FREE. This is crucial after a storm. Being in Wiregrass, your roof is more prone to storm damage.
- Clean your gutters often to remove leaves and organic material that has been collected. Clogged gutters cause water to back up into your decking and cause rot.
- Replace any missing shingles quickly – installing a single shingle is not very difficult. You remove the starter strip and the nails and then add a new one back. If it is more than a shingle or too
- Have your stand pipe fittings inspected twice a year. This prevents water leaks that can be very slow and cause severe damage in your home.
- Get a protective coating applied yearly. Not only will this coating improve the condition of your roof but it will also improve your energy efficiency.
- Replace failed Caulk Joints – if you notice the caulking around flashing is cracking or lifting you can easily repair it. Seal any replaced nail head with new caulk or roof cement to prevent them from rusting.
- Replace rusted or damaged flashing immediately. This is a water penetration point and should be your highest priority.
- Remove any debris or leaves on your roof on a regular basis. Rotten organic material causes the materials in your roof shingles to break down faster resulting in weaker shingles.
- Deal with popped nails. Nails that push through the shingles will result in leaks. Repairing them requires you remove the damaged shingles and exposed nails. Always fill in the old nails holes with roofing cement and replace the old shingles with new ones. Place any new nails at least 1″ away from where the old ones were and seal all exposed nail heads with roofing cement.
- Replace failed rubber pipe boots. When they deteriorate they allow water to seep into your attic or down the vent pipe.
- Look in your attic on a bi-monthly basis and look for any water leaks. If you see a water stain call us immediately. There could be bigger issues at hand.
- Trim back any tree branches that are hanging over you roof.
- Gently power wash your roof with a Mold, Moss, Mildew and Algae Stain Remover. We recommend Wet & Forget.