The roof’s primary function is to shield the interior of your home from the elements. If you live in an area that experiences different seasons and bouts of severe weather throughout the year, you know just how valuable a sturdy roof is. It’s important, therefore, to maintain the structure so it can provide adequate protection for all inhabitants. If you’re interested in increasing the lifespan of your roof, there are a few important steps to take as a homeowner.

Remove Debris in the Gutters

Many people make the mistake skipping gutter cleaning altogether during maintenance. This can only lead to improper draining, causing the water to remain stagnant and eventually clog the entire system. Standing water will eventually lead to leaks and will cause water to seep into the home. Make it a point to clean the gutters each month to ensure that the water is redirected away from the foundation of the building.

Increase Your Roof’s Lifespan

Reduce the Risk of Ice Dams

Ice dams can cause a significant amount of damage once they form during the winter season and will certainly require professional roof repair. An attic that is too cold will make it easier for the snow to turn into ice. Ice dams that form can cause the shingles to fall off of the building and can also lead to an exposed roof deck.

You can prevent the ice dams from forming by keeping the attic properly ventilated with the use of a fan or vents installed ideal location. You’ll also want to remove snow that forms on the roof with the use of a rake.

Keep the Roof Clean

Clean the roof to remove algae that may be present by using a mixture of water, trisodium phosphate, and bleach. Lightly rinse off the algae with a garden hose and allow it to soak into the roof for 15 minutes before it’s rinsed off. For stains that are more difficult to remove, use a chlorine bleach solution that is stronger.

Install Insulation

Adding insulation with the help of a roofing contractor in Sunnyvale is one of the most important steps to take to extend the life of your roof. Insulation prevents the tiles or shingles from reaching extremely high or low temperatures. The materials can quickly become damaged or begin to decay if their temperature fluctuates, making insulation a necessary product to install.

While being proactive in roof maintenance is ideal for homeowners, don’t neglect the need for professional roofing services. Roofing experts from companies like Shelton Roof are trained and qualified to handle more complex issues.

Source:

How to Extend the Life of Your Roof, AngiesList.com