Complete Guide to Extending the Life of Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the outdoor elements. Maximizing its longevity is important to ensure optimal property protection. In this blog post, the roofing experts at Schoenherr Roofing share helpful tips on extending your roof’s lifespan and keeping your property protected for the long term.
Average Lifespan of Roofing Materials
Before we dive into how you can extend your roof’s lifespan, it’s important to understand how long your roof is expected to last. Below are the average life expectancies for some of the most commonly used roofing materials:
- Asphalt roofs (architectural shingles): 20 – 25 years
- Asphalt roofs (three-tab shingles): 15 – 20 years
- Metal roofs: 50 – 70 years
- Tile roofs: 30 – 50 years
Seven Ways to Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
There are many things you can do to help your roofing system last longer, including:
Clean Your Gutters
When gutters become clogged, it can be difficult for water to drain away from your home. This excess water can back up onto your roof, leading to potential leaks, mold growth, and warping. This can be particularly problematic in the winter as water freezes, leading to ice dams. Avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your gutters and removing obstructions.
Regular Roof Inspections
While it can be easy to detect obvious defects in your roof with a visual inspection, it’s important to have an annual roof inspection performed by a trained professional. A professional roofer can identify minor problems before they escalate into major issues, helping you address small defects promptly so you can extend your roof’s lifespan.
Trim Your Trees
If trees are planted too close to your home, overhanging branches can damage your roof by scratching the shingles. During heavy storms, trees can be even more dangerous, as loose branches become projectiles that can impale your roof and cause significant damage. Trimming back your trees can prevent these problems altogether.
Add Attic Insulation
Adding attic insulation to your property isn’t just great for enhancing energy efficiency in your home. It can also extend your roof’s lifespan as it protects against a buildup of warm air in the high points of your home that can lead to premature shingle deterioration. When adding attic insulation, keep your attic vents unobstructed, as accidentally covering them up can damage your roof.
Clean Your Roof
Just as important as cleaning your gutters is cleaning the roof itself. Take the time to clear away debris and clean any moss growing on your shingles. While you might be tempted to pressure wash your roof, this should be avoided, as doing so can damage your shingles. Instead, use a scrub brush and bucket with dish soap and water to address algae, moss, and difficult debris.
Timely Roof Repairs
One way you can keep your roof protected for the long term is by addressing minor problems early. If you notice missing or damaged shingles, be sure to have them repaired promptly to prevent further escalation. Missing or broken shingles can allow water to infiltrate your roofing system, leading to rot and mold growth.
Avoid Ice Dams
A common problem for Michigan homeowners is the development of ice dams on the roof. This is why keeping up with snow removal during the winter is critical. In addition to cleaning out your gutters, use a roof rake to scrape off excess snow and prevent the formation of ice dams.
Trust Schoenherr Roofing to Keep Your Roof in Optimal Condition
Has it been longer than one year since your last roof inspection? Schoenherr Roofing is here to help ensure your roof is built to last. Our comprehensive roof inspections are designed to keep your system in top condition.
Contact us today to get a free roof inspection estimate for your home.
