How Can I Make My Roof Last Longer?

Date Posted:

January 18, 2021

Author:

Daryl Gentry

Buying a new home brings a lot of joy, but it also brings a lot of new responsibilities new homeowners should know about.

And these responsibilities can be overwhelming for first-time homeowners.

One of the most significant responsibilities all homeowners should know about is taking care of the roof over your head and ensuring it is in good shape and properly maintained.

It might seem like a lot of work for a first-time homeowner, so here are five things new homeowners should do to make sure they get the most life out of their roof.

Keep Loose Debris Off Your Roof

Be sure to always remove any leaves, branches, or other debris accumulated on your roof during stormy days.

Always wait until the roof has dried off a bit before climbing a ladder to the roof because roofing material can be deceptively slippery.

Once the roofing materials are dry, sweep the debris diagonally downhill from the roof.

And don't forget to clear the debris from the gutters and downspout areas.

Know Where To Look For Trouble

Chimneys and skylights are great for curb appeal, but they could be potential trouble spots for your roof.

The flashing around a roof or skylight can loosen, allowing water in.

A clogged or damaged gutter can also cause damage to your roof and should be regularly inspected.

But look carefully.

What might appear to be a skylight leak could just be a drip of condensation on the skylight's cold surface.

You also want to make sure your roof is taken care of in the winter. Our article, 5 Ways To Get Rid Of Ice Dams, can help keep your roof safe during winter.

Be Sure You Inspect The Roof Regularly

Another thing new homeowners should know about their roof is that you will also need to check the outside of your roof regularly for damage.

A roof inspection is key to the longevity of your roof.

Make sure to keep an eye out for loose or missing shingles, exposed nails, or other spots that look like they need attention.

If you notice peeled, curled, or cracked shingles, or if you see the granules are missing, these are all signs that the roof is at the end of its life.

Also, be sure to keep an eye on your attic or other interior ceiling portions that could indicate you have a leak from the roof to the inside of your home.

This could cause mold to buildup, and over time, could be very expensive to fix.

Look Out For Ice Dams

Ice dams can be very dangerous.

When the warm air from inside your home rises to the top of your attic space, it can melt the snow and ice that has accumulated, forming an ice dam.

The melted water flows down towards your roof's colder edges, where it re-freezes into large heavy blocks of ice.

Ice dams are not only a massive threat to people below if they become dislodged and fall, but they can also cause leaks in your roof.

When winter rolls around, take precautions to prevent these from forming to help keep your roof from being damaged.

Remove Algae and Moss

If you see moss building on the roof, be sure you find an excellent moss cleaner and follow the instructions to let the solution do its work.

Then, brush or sweep the moss away with a broom or wide brush.

Avoid using bristled brushes or power washers, as these can cause the UV-protectant granules on the roof to wear away prematurely.

Contact TK Roofing About Your Roof

Maintaining your roof is a key element in any home maintenance plan.

With experienced craftsmen, a "customer first" mentality, and affordable prices, TK Roofing and Gutters can help your roof last as long as possible.

If you recently bought a new home and you have questions about your roof, contact TK Roofing and Gutters to set up a free inspection and quote!