If you want your roof to have a long lifespan, then you need to make sure that it remains well-maintained. Modern roofs often last for well over 30 years, but catastrophic damage might happen at any time. Luckily, that damage can often be avoided with a little bit of preventative maintenance and some assistance from a roofing contractor.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Rain gutters and downspouts are more important than most homeowners realize, and those channels need to be cleaned as often as possible. When a rain gutter becomes clogged, water is going to pool on the roof, and that can result in severe damage. You also need to make sure that all of the downspouts lead away from the foundation of your home. Downspout extenders can easily be attached to the existing downspouts if any water is pooling near the base of your home.
Check the Attic
In many cases, minor cracks and pinholes can easily be repaired in a matter of minutes as long as they are caught early on. At least once or twice a year, you should head into your attic during the middle of the day and look for any light that is shining through the roof. If you notice any light, then you should contact a local roofing contractor to discuss your options. Smaller pinholes can usually be repaired with nothing more than some roof caulk.
Replace Shingles
Even though slate and metal shingles generally last for at least a few decades, they can still be damaged during a storm. When you inspect your attic for signs of a leak, you should also take a look at all of the shingles. Shingles that are cracked, curled, or blistered need to be replaced immediately. Your roofing contractor might suggest replacing the roof entirely if more than a handful of shingles are damaged.
Keep Pests Out
A few stray termites can become a major infestation in the blink of an eye, and those pests might do an incredible amount of damage to your roof. That is one of the reasons why many experts suggest that homeowners schedule preventative pest control services at least twice a year. Your exterminator can also look for any signs of termite damage that you might have missed.
In addition to these four tips, you should have your roof inspected by a certified roofing contractor at least once every five years. An experienced contractor will be able to help you catch and attend to any necessary roof repairs before they become overwhelming catastrophes.
