Tips to Maintain Your Roof
The standard shingle roof will last 20-25 years, depending on storm damage and usual wear and tear. Other roofing materials last longer, but are more expensive to install.
The amount and level of care you give your roof can shorten or lengthen the time between new roof replacements. If you are lucky, you might end up only having to install a new roof once in your lifetime, as long as you give it the attention it needs.
Roof replacement is very expensive regardless of the type of roof you have. You’re better off in the long run doing routine maintenance and small repairs as needed in order to help extend the lifetime of your roof.
If you aren’t confident in your roofing abilities – or just can’t stand the thought of climbing up a ladder – you can always call a licensed, certified roofer in Reno to help you with all of your maintenance and roof repair needs.
PREVENTATIVE ROOF CARE
Doing things to prevent most roof damage before it occurs is the most affordable route to lengthen the lifetime of your roof. Here are a couple of preventative care measures for your roof:
Cut branches hanging over your roof. High winds and rain storms can break branches and even knock over whole trees. Rotting, dying trees can also drop their heavy branches onto your roof if they’re not regularly pruned. Falling limbs destroy all types of roofs, including asphalt shingles and even metal roofs.
Install gutter guards. Gutter guards are metal or mesh covers installed over your gutters to reduce clogging. They can limit the amount of gutter cleaning you have to do and help prevent overflow into your yard. You can install gutter guards on your own or leave the work to a roofer or gutter cleaning company in Reno.
Have routine inspections. Shingles begin to lose asphalt granules after a couple of years, and metal roofs can get dented or begin to show signs of aging like rust or tarnish. Having inspections done by a roofing company can let you know if there’s an issue that has to be handled.
Apply a roof coating. Roof coatings replenish the oils from roof shingles so they don’t dry out, making your roof last 5 years or more beyond its expected lifespan. There are regular and plant-based options so you can feel safe about putting these products on your home, where they will run off and possibly come in contact with your children, pets and landscaping.
Ensure your insulation and ventilation system are in good condition. Too much or not enough insulation can create a condensation issue. Lack of ventilation can lead to trapped moisture. This can quickly result in mold and mildew growth, as well as odors throughout your home. Besides being annoying, mold and mildew will wreak havoc on wood and other home materials, weakening your home’s structure.
ROUTINE ROOF MAINTENANCE
Here and there, you’ll need to complete some general maintenance on your roof. If this is done in a timely manner, you’ll help prevent leaks and lengthen the lifespan of your roof, regardless of the type.
Do these chores at least once a year to prevent damages and keep your roof looking nice:
Roof cleaning. Cleaning a roof removes debris, mold and dirt. This will limit the risk of pests building nests on your roof, and it will instantly freshen up the appearance of your home. Reno Pressure Washing offers roof cleaning in Reno as one of our services.
Gutter cleaning. Cleaning out the gutters is a necessary part of home ownership. Check your gutters often, especially if it’s raining, to see if there are clogs that should be removed. Most gutter experts recommend gutter cleaning once in the spring months and again in the fall season.
Remove moss. If moss starts growing, it likely means that your roof is shaded and stays very moist. Moss’s roots attach to roof shingles and other materials and damage them if it isn’t eliminated quickly. Most homeowners choose to have a professional do this so no damage is done in the process.
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS
Damages happen, but as long as you tend to them right away, no serious issues should occur. If you are a handyman, you might feel confident doing small roof repairs yourself. But if not, professional roofers in Reno are trained to complete these fast fixes for you to keep your roof in good shape.
Replace damaged or worn shingles. Shingles have asphalt bits attached to them. The texture can be removed from the shingles by debris, hail or heavy rain. These asphalt pieces help protect your roof. If they start coming off, the roof will start to look worn, but, more importantly, it won’t protect what’s below. Only a section needs to be re-shingled if the damage is superficial.
Replace fascia. Sometimes, the part of your roof that rests between the roof material and the top of the exterior wall (called the fascia) will need to be replaced. The fascia can sometimes leak, letting mold and mildew into your home, plus pests.
Re-caulk around the flashings. Flashings fill in gaps on the roof where it is impossible to place roofing material. It’s the perfect location for leaks on a roof, and it is very easily damaged. If more extensive work is necessary, replacing the flashing is an easy project for professionals and proficient homeowners as well.
YOUR ROOF NEEDS LOVE TOO!
The roof is typically the most expensive home maintenance costs. With the typical lifespan of a roof being around 20 and 30 years, you will likely only have to replace it once or twice. Of course, if you move often, you might end up replacing quite a few roofs during your lifetime.
When purchasing a new home, a roof inspection is definitely worth your time. You can also include the cost of a new roof – if one is needed – in the closing costs or request that the home seller have the roof replaced before the sale. When selling a home, give Reno Pressure Washing a call for professional roof cleaning in Reno to improve curb appeal for potential buyers.