Owning a house comes with risks, particularly regarding the roof. These structures, unfortunately, don’t last forever and seem to be more prone to damage than other parts of the building, something you’ll notice if you ever go to an archaeological site. The good news is that there are ways to protect your roof and make it last longer. These methods aren’t fool-proof, but they can be highly effective if you get them right.
The idea usually is to create conditions that protect the underlying material. Reducing moisture and protecting roofing from hail damage usually works best.
However, there are other ways to protect your roof, some of which are more direct. Ask any commercial roofer and they will tell you that the average company puts a lot of money into reducing the amount of damage done to the roofing they install on their facilities.
So, what are the steps you can take to protect your roof and make it last longer? Here’s a comprehensive rundown unlike anything else on the internet.
Choose The Most Durable Roofing Materials
If you’re building a new roof from scratch, choosing the most durable roofing materials is one of the best policies. Getting the selection right can reduce the amount of damage that accumulates over time.
Some roofing materials are quite poor, particularly wood shakes. These materials are prone to rot and won’t usually last much more than ten years. While they are affordable, they also often represent a false economy.
The best materials are usually tile and slate. These are suitable for smaller roofs looking for more extensive protection.
Metal roofs also last long, particularly if they receive protective treatment. Copper will change color when exposed to the climate, but it will also survive for several decades before requiring replacement.
The least durable roofing materials are those made from bituminous substrates. Depending on the weather in your region, these tend to dry and crack over time, causing them to disintegrate in less than 25 or 20 years.
Apply Roof Coatings
Applying roof coatings is another strategy available. This approach involves adding some sort of post-installation treatment to the roof to prevent the elements from destroying the underlying material.
Usually, you wouldn’t put these treatments on a metal, tile, or slate roof, since the material itself is so robust. However, you might consider it if you have a flat roof section on your property, or you’re using a crude oil-related product of some description.
Most roof coatings aim to protect roofing against UV from the sun, damaging rays that can destroy organic molecules in conventional asphalt shingles and render the material weaker. A roof coating can also protect against rain and pooling of water. These tend to find more applications in commercial settings where roofs are flatter and broader than on domestic properties. Some coatings are essentially spray-on membranes that keep the damp out.
Applying roof coatings is an annoying extra step in the process, but often worth it. Adding the material can extend the life of some roofs substantially, particularly those made from materials prone to degrading.
Address Leaks
Another tactic is to address leaks as promptly as possible. Don’t want for damage to become obvious. Instead, hire teams to look for water ingress or learn the signs yourself. The longer you leave a roof issue, the more exponentially expensive it will become to fix (and something, there won’t be a remedy-only roof replacement will suffice).
Most leaks come from missing tiles, often blown off during storms. When it rains again, water can enter, increasing the likelihood of rot and mold. Eventually, you can encounter structural issues, particularly if the leaks become more serious.
You can usually tell if your roof is damaged, but it is always a good idea to inspect it from the inside and outside after a storm. Taking a careful look around will help you find out whether there’s anything that’s gone wrong.
If you’re not sure what to look for, ask a professional to help you. Often, they know the tell-tale signs to watch out for and problems that can remain hidden, even though they’re causing damage.
Enable Better Ventilation
Improving your roof’s ventilation can also help it last longer. Most roofing materials require a steady flow of air to maximize their lifespans.
Attics, as any long-time homeowner will know, are prone to moisture buildup. Over time, dampness can arise, especially if you have condensation.
That’s why a lot of homes have soffit or gable vents. These allow the exchange of air over time, preventing a moist atmosphere from dumping its contents all over the interiors.
If you’re not sure whether your roofing has proper ventilation, take a look around. You should see vents either in the brick seconds of the walls or in the form of small slatted hatches on the soffits.
Look to see if the vents are clear or blocked. Take some time to clean them out if there’s any debris. If you leave them clogged, it is more likely you will encounter roofing issues in the future.
If you don’t have any ventilation, install it. The easiest approach is to core out part of your brick wall, remove a section, and then install a pest-proof vent. These passively exchange air, allowing it to circulate more readily.
The other option is to install a dehumidifier to remove moisture. However, this solution is less effective and considerably more expensive.
Improve Your Insulation
Improving your insulation is another way to protect your roof and make it last longer. Making it more effective reduces the risk of ice dams forming and protects the integrity of the structure in colder climates.
Roof insulation in the past was quite thin and didn’t really provide much protection. Modern standards have increased the thickness substantially, leading to further changes. However, your roof still might not be perfect. Therefore, you may need to add additional insulation to various sections to see whether it makes a difference.
Remove Moss
Have you noticed moss or algae growing on your roof? If so, it’s a good idea to remove it, too. Doing so can protect your roof and make it last longer.
Moss and algae are most common on roofs made of tile or slate. However, they can also occur on asphalt shingles. That’s because these materials contain elements that help the moss survive.
If you ever remove moss from your roof, you’ll notice that it sometimes brings some of the roofing material with it. That’s because its roots actually grow into it, so when you tug on it, it pulls part of the tile away.
You can brush moss off your roof manually, but this can cause damage to the roof. The best approach is to use a moss or algae killer and then wait a few days for it to have its effect. Afterward, you can gently brush the dead organic material away and then use a sealant to protect the roof long-term.
If the moss or algae buildup is substantial, speak with a professional. Some roofs can experience high and lasting damage that makes them prone to failure, even if you think you’re helping them.
Remove Overhanging Trees
Removing overhanging trees is also an exceptional way to protect your roof and make it last longer. Stopping trunks and boughs from landing on it reduces the risk of catastrophic damage.
Take a look around your property and see whether there are any trees with branches that come close to your roof. If there are, pare them back or remove them entirely.
Also, ask whether it is likely that a tree might fall on your roof. Look around your property to see whether there are any older trees that might die in the near future, or any that are dead already and may become detached from their root systems.
If you spot any problems, get a tree surgeon to deal with them for you. Don’t risk them toppling over in the wind or during an overnight storm. That’s a problem you want to avoid at all costs.
Remove Detritus From Your Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters is another pro tip, proven to protect your roof and make your roofing last longer. Problems with guttering increase the risk of leaks.
Be sure you clear out leaves and branches. You can do this by climbing a step ladder or using a vacuum specifically designed for getting rid of leaves. You can rent all this equipment yourself or hire roofing professionals to deal with it for you as part of their maintenance services.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
Finally, it goes without saying that it is a good idea to inspect your roof for issues regularly. Making sure there are no hazards or issues can be an excellent way to make it last longer.
Leaks are the main problem, as mentioned above, but you can encounter all sorts of additional issues. One problem is pointing around the chimney, while another is loose flashing. Catching small problems to protect your roof before they become larger is always sound advice and something you should strive to do.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
