How to Make Your Roof Last Longer

Category: Roof Maintenance • March 15, 2021

The roof is your home’s first defense against sun, wind, snow, sleet, and rain. If properly maintained, it can help protect your home for decades. On the flip side, a neglected roof can show signs of age and failure in as few as 10 years, with some asphalt shingles beginning to dry out and fail within just 6 years.

Taking preventive care of your roof can greatly extend it’s expected lifespan, saving you money along the way. Here’s how.

1. Keep it clean. Clear out gutters and downspouts so rainwater and snowmelt can flow freely off your roof and away from your home’s foundation. Remove any accumulated leaves, debris, fallen branches, moss and mold growth.

2. Trim back overhanging branches. Tree limbs can snap, break, and cause substantial damage to a roof. They also can provide easy access for small animals onto your roof where they, too, can cause damage and even work their way indoors.

3. Inspect for damage. Conduct a periodic visual inspection of your roof, especially after storms, looking for loose, missing, or curling shingles and damage around chimneys and vents.

4. Remove snow and prevent ice dams. Use a roof rake to dislodge snow to keep water flowing through gutters and prevent ice from backing up underneath shingles. Accumulated ice can cause damage while melting ice and rain can penetrate into your attic.

5. Maintain sufficient insulation. This not only saves you money on your heating and cooling costs but helps your roof last longer.

6. Check attic ventilation. Make sure soffit vents (near the lower part of the attic) and roof vents are free of obstructions. Proper ventilation keeps cool air flowing in and warm air flowing out.

7. Choose a qualified roofer. Have your roof inspected by a trusted professional every couple of years and repair or replace as needed. Look for a company that’s insured and can provide references and testimonials from satisfied customers in your area.

Then again, you needn’t look any further than right here – Zaman Roofing, providing roof repair, maintenance, and replacement services throughout Central Connecticut. Contact us today to request service.