A roof can be a costly, but vital investment in helping you protect your home. However, you should always go in knowing that even the most durable of roofs will not last forever, the elements eventually always win. This is especially true in areas where the elements can be strong, such as in Florida. Between the extreme heat and moisture to frequent rain showers in the summer to potential hurricanes, corrosion and weakening of the roof can be common over time. While there is no way to know for sure how long your roof will last, you should periodically check it out to make sure that it is in good shape and that any small issues don’t turn into big ones. It is always easier to fix a small issue rather than waiting and letting it turn into something much more serious and likely a lot costlier.
When getting a new roof, you should look at the quality of the materials. Quality materials can make a night and day difference in the longevity of your roof. There are also some tips that you can follow to reduce the risk of major damage over time. If you see shingles that are curling or buckling, this means that the roof is being exposed to elements in a way that it should not be so you should check it out and make any necessary repairs or replacements necessary. You also want to make sure that your roof valleys are in good shape and not obstructed or anything like that since they control the flow of water off of your roof and if there is an issue with them you risk water buildup which can escalate potential damage very quickly.
A quick way to check if your shingles are breaking is to check in your gutters. If you see granules of shingle in there that is a bad sign. In general, you should keep your gutters clean and clean so that the water can effectively leave the house. You can do the cleaning by yourself or hire someone to do it. During the autumn, be sure to remove leaves as they are a common culprit of backed-up gutters. Finally, trim any overhanging branches or trees nearby the roof to avoid branches breaking off during storms and damaging the roof. Trees can also allow roof access to rodents and bugs that you probably do not want up there.
Something to keep in mind with roofs is the age from an insurance standpoint. If it is too old your roof may be uninsurable as the insurance company does not want to take the additional risk. In these cases, it may make sense to consider roof replacement.
If you need roofing assistance whether with maintaining it appropriately expanding the lifespan or even something like replacing your shingle roofing, then be sure to look up a professional in your local area. There are many dedicated professionals who can give you top advice to maximize your roof’s life.
Picture Credit: Crello