Tips to Extend the Life of a New Roof

When installing a new roof, the homeowner invests significantly in their home’s safety, comfort, and value.

When installing a new roof, the homeowner invests significantly in their home’s safety, comfort, and value. And, like any home improvement project, they want to enjoy the highest possible return on their investment.

With a bit of time and effort, homeowners can extend the life of their new roof and minimize the time and money spent on roofing repairs in the future.

Add attic ventilation

Without adequate ventilation, attics overheat in the summer, which encourages mold growth and reduces the effectiveness of insulation. It also superheats roofing materials, causing them to degrade more quickly than they otherwise would.

Having sufficient airflow in the attic can extend the life of a new roof by as much as 20 percent or more.

Upgrade the insulation

The proper type and amount of attic insulation will cut energy bills and improve the interior comfort of a home. Insulation also extends the life of the new roof.

Just like ventilation, insufficient attic insulation can expose roofing materials to excessive heat, causing them to disintegrate prematurely. Consider adding radiant barrier insulation and upgrading the fill or blanket insulation.

Tend to the gutters and downspouts

Clogged gutters expose the roof deck, shingles, and fascia to potential water damage. Have the gutters cleaned and inspected at least once each year to prevent problems. Homeowners may also consider installing gutter screens to help keep debris from clogging the home’s drainage system.

Pest control

Nesting birds and other pests can damage roof components in a short period of time. The process of collecting nesting material can litter a roof, which can then wash into gutters and downspouts. Rats, for example, may also nest on roofs, and can gnaw ruthlessly at wiring, wood components, insulation, and more. A professional exterminator should be called to manage a definitive bird or rat problem before the issues they cause get out of control.

Maintain the roof

Although many types of roofing materials require little or no regular maintenance, removing the debris from the rooftop will help the roof last longer. Cut back any branches overhanging the roof’s surface and take action if there is evidence that rodents or other pests have been spending time on the roof. Clean the shingles or tiles based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Professional roofing inspections

The best way to extend a new roof’s service life is to take care of any problems quickly to prevent them from becoming major issues. A homeowner can easily use a pair of binoculars after a bad storm to check for damage. Periodic professional roofing inspection will identify any new or developing problems. Routine inspections allow repairs to be made immediately rather than waiting until a leak develops or damage to the decking and underlying support structures occurs.

Proactive roof care and maintenance can not only extend the life of a roof, but can also keep it looking cleaner and more attractive than a roof that is added and ignored after the fact.

Your Roofologist is a Plano-based licensed roofing contractor specializing in consumer protection in the residential and commercial roofing industry for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We offer services such as roof inspections, roof repair and replacement, and other exterior and home improvement repairs. We transform homes with ten years of experience backed by excellent service, pride in our workmanship, and a warranty. Call us at (469)535-7852.