Your roofing system is one of the most important parts of your home. It is your home’s main defense against the elements and the outside. Roofs can last from 20-50 years, depending on their type. Many roofs, however, start falling into disrepair before the end of their service lives due to lack of maintenance or other factors.
Roof replacement is the single biggest investment many homeowners make in their property. Depending on the skills of your roofer and materials, you may end up spending tens of thousands of dollars. As a homeowner, you need to come up with a strategy to get the most out of your roof. With this in mind, here are some tips to extend the life of your roofing system provided by Marin County roofers, ARS Roofing.
Periodically Maintain Gutters
Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of roof leaks. A clogged gutter is unable to direct water into the downspouts. This causes water to accumulate along the bottom edge of the roof, which slowly damages the fascia and roof edge.
To prevent this from happening, keep your gutters clean. Remember to remove debris like sticks and leaves that may have fallen from nearby trees. If you do not feel confident on a ladder or there is a lot of debris in the gutters, contact a roofing company in Marin County for the job. Many roofing companies offer maintenance services to help extend your roof’s life.
Ventilate Your Attic
Poor ventilation in the attic can cause moisture to build up, damaging your roof and insulation. A poorly ventilated attic can circulate hot air during the summer, forcing your air conditioner to go into overdrive mode. To improve the ventilation of your attic, install soffit vents near its lower section and roof vents close to its highest part.
Periodically Trim Overhanging Branches
Overhanging branches can damage your roof in more ways than you could imagine. On windy days, the limbs of an overhanging branch can scrape against your rooftop, seriously damaging the shingles. Leaves from overhanging branches can clog your gutters. Additionally, an overhanging branch can fall on your roof during a storm, causing irreversible damage. To steer clear of expensive repairs, keep branches from leaning on or against your roof.
Follow Your Roof Maintenance Plan
Roofs take punishment throughout the year. It is not uncommon for them to develop leaks and other problems. To prevent roof repair issues from turning into your worst nightmare, you need to follow your roof maintenance plan closely. Get your roof inspected by a roofing expert at least once every year to ensure there are no small issues that could grow into large problems.
Keep the Surface Clean
An unclean roof is susceptible to damage caused by twigs, leaves, and branches that accumulate on its surface over time, like water condensation and mold growth. To steer clear of expensive repairs, clean your roof regularly.
Is your roof’s deteriorating health giving you sleepless nights? Let ARS Roofing, Gutters & Solar help. We are one of the most trusted roofing companies in Marin County. Our experts know a thing or two about roofing systems. No matter the type of your roofing system, we will come up with a plan to help you get the most out of it. To discuss your project with a roofing expert, call us at (707) 584-5900.