The average roof life expectancy is about 25 to 50 years; however, there are several factors that play into these numbers.
Whether you are a brand new property owner or have owned several properties throughout your life, you know just how expensive a new roof can be. While completely necessary, investing in a new roof is not nearly as fun as going on an exciting vacation or shopping spree; however, that’s exactly what it is: a major investment.
Because a new roof is a large sum of money, it’s completely normal (and prudent!) to want to prolong the lifespan of a roof. There is no need for this expensive yet incredibly important part of your home to go to waste!
Weather is one of the biggest factors that take a significant toll on your roof. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about Mother Nature. However, there are things you can do to prolong that roof’s lifespan and get the most out of your roof.
Continue scrolling to learn more about how to extend a roof lifespan below.
5 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of a Roof
If you want to learn some tips and tricks that will extend the lifespan of a roof, you’re in the right place. Here is everything that you need to know:
- Never Power Wash Your Shingles — While an effective way to remove mold, dirt, and grime, the concentrated spray of powering washing can loosen the granules from your shingles’ top coating. This can result in damage that is likely not covered by your warranty.
If your roof requires cleaning, have a professional use a leaf blower or broom to manually remove any buildup. Note that we said “have a professional” do the job — this is not a do-it-yourself project! Let the experienced pros handle the job.
- Check Your Ventilation — Attic soffits and vents that are inadequate or poorly located can cause condensation on the plywood decking beneath your roofing materials which can result in rot. A poorly placed bathroom exhaust fan can lead to the same issues. Some contractors cut costs and corners by evening the bathroom right into the attic, causing significant problems.
If you suspect you have a ventilation issue, you’ll want to bring in a contractor to check your system and offer any suggestions for fixes. Getting these problems addressed and repaired will save you money, time, and headaches later on!
- Keep Tree Branches Trimmed — There are many benefits that are associated with having big, mature trees on your property, like decreased utility bills, privacy, increased property value, and more. However, come winter, these large trees can cause some serious issues if not properly managed.
Keeping tree branches neatly pruned is essential to the health and integrity of your roof. Strong winds and heavy snow-laden branches can cause tree limbs to snap and land right on your roof, causing significant damage. Additionally, it can promote algae and mold growth if they are not removed promptly.
Skip the dangerous and tedious DIY project and bring in a knowledgeable and experienced arborist to prune your trees. They will know which limbs to cut and where to trim them so your trees will look great and thrive, and your roof lifespan will be extended.
- Keep Your Gutters Clean — Strong winds can blow leaves, twigs, and other kinds of debris into your gutters, resulting in dysfunction, leaks, and a damaged roof. If you want your gutter system to function correctly and extend your roof life expectancy, you will need to keep them clean and remove anything that might cause clogs or slowdowns. You can hire a professional to do the job for you, or you can carefully follow this quick step-by-step guide to get your gutters clean:
STEP #1 — Gather supplies. Make sure you have a sturdy ladder, a thick pair of gloves, safety glasses, a couple of buckets, a trowel or gutter cleaning tool, and an extended garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment.
STEP #2 — Set up your ladder on sturdy, level ground near a downspout. Remove any leaf guards or gutter covers, and attach a bucket to the top of your ladder for easy disposal. Using your tool or hands, take out the larger bits of debris.
STEP #3 — Turn on your hose and spray out the gutters to clear away any finer debris.
STEP #4 — If your gutters are not draining efficiently, check for clogs in your downspout and downspout strainer.
STEP #5 — Once everything is clear and flows, it should replace leaf guards and downspout strainers.
- Properly Insulate Your Attic — Attics or cathedral ceilings that are not properly insulated can result in ice dams. Getting rid of ice dams is relatively simple. By keeping the entire roof at the same temperature as the eaves, you can get rid of ice dams for good.
You can do this by increasing ventilation, sealing off all possible air leaks that might warm the underside of your roof, and adding adequate insulation to your attic to keep the heat where it belongs (inside your home). A skilled roofer will be able to tell you what your attic needs.
Need Help With Your Roof this Winter? Contact the Pros at We Do Roofing SLC Today!
Whether you have questions about your roof life expectancy, need a leak fixed, or anything else, the experts at We Do Roofing SLC can help!
Our knowledgeable and trusted team is licensed and insured and is the expert in all things roof repairs, siding, gutter systems, total or partial replacements, and professional inspections. With more than two decades of industry experience, our skilled crew is here to help you with your property’s roofing needs, whether you need a simple repair or require an entirely new roof.
We are ready to help residential and commercial buildings in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Murray, West Jordan, and many other neighboring cities along the Wasatch Front. Contact We Do Roofing SLC for your quick quote and extend the lifespan of your roof today.
