Best Maintenance Practices to Ensure Shingle Roof Longevity

A new roof is an investment. When cared for properly and minor damage taken care of right away, big investments like roofs can last decades before needing to be replaced. In this article, we’re going to focus on shingle roofing.

Roofing shingles are flat or curved tiles that either overlap or interlock in a specific way to be able to move water off of a pitched roof. Shingles are meant to be used on roofs with enough pitch to channel water into the rain gutter system by gravity alone. The most common types of shingle roofing include wood, asphalt, metal and clay, each varying in weight, durability, cost, color and style. The most common type of roof in the United States is the asphalt shingle roof, which can last around 20 years.

If you’d like a few tips to help increase your roof’s longevity, then the following information is for you. Here’s what every licensed and insured roofing contractor in New Bern, NC wants homeowners to know about roof maintenance:

• Remove debris: Even though your shingle roof is most likely pitched, it’s not unusual for debris to collect on it over time. The reality is that too much long-standing wet debris on your roof can lead to shingle decay. Sure, a majority of fallen leaves, twigs and garbage will blow off or roll down the sides of the roof, but it’s wise to inspect your roof for debris throughout the year. Look near rooftop HVAC equipment, the chimney, attic air vents and any other rooftop features.
• Check and clean the gutters: Water left to accumulate on a roof can reduce your shingles’ lifespan. To avoid this, check your rain gutters before and after rain passes through your area. They should also be clean so water can easily flow down the downspouts and away from the roof.
• Look for moss and algae: Moss and algae are not good for shingles. In fact, both can corrode your roof’s shingles, compromising its integrity and shortening its life. If you find either one growing on your roof, remove it and take measures to keep it off.
• Inspect roof flashings: Roof flashings are pieces of galvanized steel that cover exposed areas between the roof and rooftop features to prevent leaking. Check for damage often.
• Trim overgrown tree branches: Large tree branches growing over and too close to your roof can cause major damage to the shingles. Heavy winds can make branches scrape over and slam into your roof. Trim surrounding trees to avoid this problem.
• Check the shingles: Take a close look at your roofing shingles for loose sections. It’s best to immediately repair loose shingles, because if you leave them as they are, you open up your house to all sorts of possible damage.

If you are looking for a licensed and insured roofing contractor in New Bern, NC for home roof repairs, maintenance or installation, look no further than the experts Dallas Cherry Roofing. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: Roofing Contractor

This post was written by Writer