Maintenance Can Extend the Life of Your Roof

Your roof does a lot of work, protecting you, your family and all you own from rain, sun, hail, and snow. It is a tough and vital job. So, the question becomes how do you protect and extend the life of your roof?

In order to adequately protect your roof, you have to understand the things that can damage it. Professional roofing companies and other Business Roofing in Pittsburgh Kansas & companies can inspect residential or commercial areas to determine risk and assess & damage. Even without help, it is obvious that hail and debris falling onto the roof can do damage. Both extreme heat and extreme cold can also cause roof damage.

There may be leaks into the attic caused by damage to the plywood sheathing. Over time, rain, snow and wind can cause granules to come off the shingles, and you would identify this because some shingles would appear darker than others. Some tiles may be chipped or broken. Trees can brush against the roof causing damage to the shingles or tiles and, in humid climates, they can trap moisture on the roof.

To prevent damage from trees, the simple answer is to keep them pruned. However, in some climates, the trees can provide protection by shading the roof’s surface. Do routine maintenance such as checking for rusted or loose nails, as these can provide a foothold for leaks. If you find a rusted or loose nail, caulk it. After the extreme temperatures of summer or winter, check for damaged tiles or shingles and replace them. Check the attic for leaks and ensure it is well ventilated. Attics can be prime areas for condensation to develop when there is no ventilation, and can also provide a foothold for leaks when plywood gets damaged due to poor ventilation.

Following these suggestions may prolong the life of your roof. While manufacturers claim different materials have different lifespans (for example asphalt shingles can last 18-30 years, wood shingles can last 20-30 years stone or tile can last up to 50 years), these are just estimates. Professional roofing companies like Falcon Roofing and other Business Roofing in Pittsburgh Kansas can help inspect your roof to determine where issues are and correct problems. The bottom line is the climate and the care you put into your roof will determine its lifespan.