Asphalt shingle roofing has an estimated life span of about 20 to 30 years, but you’d be surprised how so few of those roofs actually reach that age without any problems. That’s because many homeowners assume that their roofs are set-and-forget installations, which is certainly not the case. Roofs are constantly exposed to wear and tear, and, therefore, need some looking after. Here are some ways you can help preserve your roof:
Keep your gutters clean – Keeping the gutters clear and free-flowing has several benefits, such as avoiding water damage to the exterior and house foundation as well as keeping the roof fascia in good shape by eliminating unnecessary weight caused by leaves and debris. Clear gutters also help avoid the formation of ice dams during winter, which could lead to moisture damage in the attic. Regularly cleaning your gutters is all you need for this. However, you should consider investing in a gutter protection system like LeafAway® and Leaf Relief.
Professional maintenance – Scheduled roofing maintenance conducted by a professional every two or three years can help extend your roof’s life. Roofing professionals like us are trained to recognize apparent and potential roofing problems. At the end of the inspection, we will then help you come up with a maintenance plan as well as make recommendations for necessary repairs. Having those repairs conducted as soon as possible lets you avoid big problems, such as moisture damage to the attic, which could later lead to a collapsed roof if not addressed in a timely manner.
Perform your own inspections – In addition to scheduled maintenance, you should perform a visual inspection of your roof every six months or so – and after every storm – using a pair of binoculars. Simply look for damaged, curling or missing shingles. Afterwards, inspect your attic for signs of water intrusion, such as water stains and clumped insulation. At the end of the inspection, inform your roofing contractor of your findings if you believe repairs are needed.
Trim surrounding trees – Tree branches can poke into the asphalt shingle layer and rub the granules off or even pry whole shingle mats off. Have the trees trimmed with a 10-foot clearance. If you don’t have the means or equipment to trim the surrounding trees, have them trimmed by a landscaping professional. As a bonus, trimmed trees also prevent squirrels and rodents from accessing your roof.
To learn more about our roof repair, maintenance and installation services, call Roof Masters today at (888) 889-7551, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free inspection and estimate. We serve many areas in Montgomery County, MD.