These Simple Tricks Could Extend Your Roof's Lifespan

Many homeowners take pride in their roof, and with good reason. This is because the roof serves an important purpose, keeping you and your valuables safe from extreme weather. Regardless of whether your roof is brand new or if you've had it for a while, read on to see five simple tricks you can use to extend your roof's lifespan and maintain frugal living at the same time.

Have it Inspected Annually

In order to make sure that your roof is in a good state, schedule to have it inspected at least once every year. This should be regardless of whether there's been a big storm in your area or not, because you may uncover something that was otherwise unnoticeable. With 65% of homeowners saying that they're most likely to repair their roofs after weather damage in a consumer survey, you need to make sure that you don't wait for such situations to motivate you to have it checked out because a roof may have other reasons which necessitate its maintenance apart from weather damage.

Trim Trees Near it

If there are trees growing near your roof and have branches overhanging it, you should keep them trimmed. This is because they not only pose a serious hazard during extreme weather and storms, but they also deposit a lot of debris on your roof. Fallen leaves and branches, if left on your roof for a long time, may give rise to serious issues such as enabling ice dams to form easily if you live in an area that experiences snow. Pests and rodents can also build their homes and nests in this debris and add extra weight to your roof, damaging it in the process.

Keep Your Gutters Well Maintained

Another part of good roof maintenance is making sure that your gutters are always clean. Since the gutters serve the purpose of draining water off your roof, it's imperative that they stay clear of dirt and debris that can cause blockages. They need to be able to drain all the water off the roof and direct it into the drains and away from your home's foundation, where it can cause serious damage to the structural integrity of your house. Keep in mind that once your roof reaches the age of 25 years, you should start considering a replacement because it is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Fix Damaged or Missing Shingles

If you have a shingle roof, it's good to know that strong winds, pests, and other things can damage them. If you can physically inspect your roof and you see any shingles that are missing or that appear broken, curled, or damaged in any way, get them replaced right away. This will save your roof from further damage and keep your ceiling and other parts of your house in good shape. This is important for aesthetics as well because your roof can affect your home's overall curb appeal.

Keep it Clean

Finally, whether your roof has just been installed or it's almost at the end of its lifespan, you need to keep it clean. Check your roof for debris every time after a storm and clear off any dirt that you find to make sure that no mold and moss start to form. If there's any moss or mold on your roof, scrub it off with a bucket and brush, and you will have a presentable roof that's less likely to develop serious issues. With over five million roofs installed every year in the U.S., yours may be one among them at any given time. Just make sure that it's not due to neglecting your precious roof.

With these five tips, you should find it possible to extend your roof's lifespan and enjoy having a strong and well-kept roof over your head in all seasons.