The roof is arguably the most important part of the exteriors. Some roofing systems can last over a century while others can fail after just 10 years. Although your roof is bound to retire at some point, it is imperative to prolong its service life as long as possible.
Below are the most effective ways to boost your roof’s longevity:
Keep Soffits and Fascia Boards in Good Shape
Tackle a timely soffit and fascia repair in Utah, California, or whatever state you live in. The soffits and fascia boards do more than just finishing the look of your house from the street. These building elements protect the rafters from the weather and wildlife. As soffits and fascia boards are exposed to the elements, they need some TLC every now and then.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts Regularly
A clogged gutter system is the usual culprit for water damage. When full of debris, gutters and downspouts fail to drain rainwater fully and efficiently. As a result, some of the liquid is trapped and tries to go to places it should not reach.
The overflow can wreak havoc on the foundation, flood the basement, and drown the shrubbery. Even worse, the water can flow upward and penetrate through the shingles or come into contact with the fascia, paving the way for rot to develop.
Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation
The longest-lasting roofs are able to remain cool. While they are exposed to direct sunlight during the daytime, adequate attic ventilation allows them to avoid overheating.
The problem is many houses do not have proper ventilation in the attic. When there is not enough passage for the warm indoor air to escape and for the fresh drafts to ventilate the space, the attic is doomed to have excessive levels of heat and humidity.
Ideally, there should be a healthy balanced between intake and outtake vents. An effective attic ventilation system consists of soffit vents and a ridge vent, which makes the most of convection, the tendency of hot air to rise.
Address Flashing Damage Immediately
Flashings are pieces of metal installed to waterproof the most vulnerable areas of the roof. They are commonly used to cover penetrations, which have natural gaps that allow the water to infiltrate the roof interior and the rest of the house.
They may be completely rendered weather-tight on installation, but their sealers do not last as long as the roof itself. Sealants wear away over time, creating openings the water can exploit. Flashing repair is high on the agenda of any experienced roofers. As long as your flashings are impenetrable, your roof is less likely to leak.
Clear Overhanging Branches
Tall and overly close trees can give your roof a hard time on many levels. They shed leaves and fill the gutters with hard-to-remove dead foliage. The branches themselves can puncture roofing materials with strong winds, dislodging protective granules in no time. Trees can also give rodents easier access to your house. This is why routine tree trimming goes a long way. Ideally, there should be no trees near your house within a radius of 10 feet.
Extending your roof’s life is ensuring your house’s structural integrity. Work with a reliable home improvement contractor to observe preventive maintenance properly.
