PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR ROOF
The roof over your head provides shelter and protection from the elements. Neglecting your roof can lead to expensive, even dangerous damage. Here are some roof maintenance tips to help prevent problems and prolong the life of your roof.
ROOF MAINTENANCE STARTS WITH AN INSPECTION
Inspect your roof each season. Catching small problems early can save you from more expensive repairs later.
OUTSIDE ROOF INSPECTIONS
Conduct a visual inspection of your roof from outside. If you have a detached garage, be sure to inspect the garage roof as well. Look for obvious damage from wildlife, wear and tear from weather including shingle damage. Shingle damage is often the first visual sign of trouble with the roof.
SHINGLE INSPECTIONS
Note missing or damaged roof tiles that need repair. Most shingle roofs follow four stages of deterioration.
- Surface granules begin to wear away, leaving discolored patches. Granule loss doesn’t cause leaks but it can expose the asphalt to direct sunlight causing them to become brittle, leading to cracks and breaks in the tile over time.
- Bare spots begin to appear and are clear signs of trouble.
- Tile material begins to crack off. Often shingle material can be found on the ground and in gutters. At this stage, water leaking through nail holes is common.
- The final stage includes widespread tile damage, leaking, and potential damage to roofing structures.
INSPECT YOUR ROOFLINE
Check for any obvious dips or sags in your roofline as this may indicate a lack of proper roof support. This is not a problem to ignore. Improper roof support during heavy snow can lead to a roof collapse.
INSPECT FLASHING & GUTTERS
Be sure to inspect flashing around vents or chimneys. Flashing helps prevent moisture problems. Any roof inspections should include a full inspection of all gutters and downspouts.
INSIDE ROOF INSPECTIONS
Inspect the underside of your roof from your attic space. If you find moisture, mold, or mildew it may indicate a problem with roof ventilation. Insufficient roof ventilation can lead to premature deterioration of tiles and roofing materials.
HOW OLD IS YOUR ROOF?
You should know the age and material of your roof. The average lifespan of a typical roof can range from 15 to 50 years depending on how well it is maintained, the material of the roof, the location of the property, and the roof pitch.
Regular, seasonal roof Inspections can help to extend the life of your roof and will help you estimate the right time to re-roof.
Check out this link to Farmer’s Insurance Roof Maintenance Infographic
NOT SURE HOW TO INSPECT ROOF VENTILATION?
Call Attic Air for a free attic ventilation assessment today at 630.830.3870