If installed properly, most roofs will last for decades without having to be replaced, but to extend the life of your roof and ensure it won’t break down prematurely, it’s still a good idea to adhere to a regular maintenance schedule. To maximize the efficiency of your roof, consider the following preventive maintenance tips:
Clean your gutters a couple times a year. If your gutters are full of debris, water can back up and cause damage to your roof and other components of your home. If you don’t feel comfortable getting up on a ladder, call a professional to come clean your gutters for you.
Don’t wait until you have a leak. If you feel like your roof might be in need of maintenance, call for an estimate now—don’t wait until the rainy season comes and the roof starts leaking. The likelihood of getting a high-quality job can be diminished if you need it done in a hurry.
Determine if your roof needs to be replaced or repaired. Keep in mind that repairs aren’t always cheaper than replacements. If your roof is older or has numerous problems caused by faulty installation methods, it’s often a more viable option to spend more on a replacement and avoid paying for numerous repairs in the future.
Find out what style of roof is best for your home. A quality roofing contractor will lay out all your options and help you decide which roofing system will best suit your needs. Keep in mind that different roofing systems have different lifespans. Whether you have a pitched roof or a flat roof, there are many options to choose from, including tar and gravel, modified bitumen membrane, and single-ply PVC IB systems. A more expensive roofing system may have a longer lifespan, which will save you money in the long run.
