Most homeowners rarely think about their roofs until it’s too late and spend thousands of dollars on a roof replacement years before expected. Considering roof replacement costs have skyrocketed over the last decade, homeowners who adopt a maintenance mindset can extend the life of their roof by following a few simple roof maintenance tips.
Maintaining your roof is one of the most important tasks for a homeowner. Regular maintenance can delay a messy, expensive, and disruptive replacement. How can you keep your roof in good condition? Here are a few tips to keep your roof in tip-top shape for years to come!
Tip #1: Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected Around Year 10
Many homeowners assume their roofs will last as long as what was guaranteed by the shingle manufacturer or the roofing contractor. The truth is, most roofs start to fail long before the warranty expires. Inspecting your roof is the best way to stay ahead of any potential issues that could result in an expensive replacement.
Around year 10, roofs can start to show some wear and tear, particularly if exposed to extreme weather conditions. Storms can dislodge shingles, and features like ridge vents or boots can become displaced. A professional roof inspection can identify these issues – and more – and help you determine the proper repairs to extend the life of your roof.
Tip #2: Regularly Clean Gutters
Have a honey-do list? Chances are gutter cleaning is on it. While no one wants to spend their weekend cleaning out gutters, this is an easy task to help avoid damage to your roof. Clogged gutters don’t move water away from your roof as intended and can lead to water damage.
Bonus tip – if you live in an area that is highly wooded and debris builds up constantly, consider installing a quality gutter guard system. Not only will this prevent water damage, but it will also alleviate the amount of time needed to clean your gutter system.
Tip #3: Trim Surrounding Trees
Overhanging branches are a pesky nuisance for roofs! Falling trees and limbs can damage a roof easily. Branches should be around six to ten feet away from the roof to allow them to sway in the wind without touching the roof itself.
Tip #4: Check for Leaks in the Attic and Ceiling
Sometimes the signs of an aging roof are INSIDE your home, rather than outside. At least once a year do a visual inspection of your attic and ceilings to look for leaks. Stained ceilings and damp attics are key indicators of a roof leak. Even small leaks can create big problems over time, so it’s important to address the cause of a roof leak as soon as it’s discovered.
Pro tip – some roof leaks can take time to show themselves, especially in areas like an attic. During your inspection, don’t skip over the insulation. Insulation can absorb water and may camouflage a leak. If the insulation is damp you likely have a roof issue.
Roof Inspections and Repairs in Central PA
At Roof Maxx Mechanicsburg, we understand how stressful and expensive a full roof replacement can be for a homeowner and work with our customers to make their current roof last as long as possible.
We offer free roof assessments to help homeowners understand the condition of their current roofing system and develop a plan to extend the life of their roofs. If you own a home with a 10+ year-old roof, contact us today for a free assessment. We will share with you what you need – or don’t need – for your roof.
