Ways to preserve your roof so it lasts longer

The roof is the integral part of any property – residential or commercial. Without a roof unquantifiable damage can happen to a property and lives of the occupants are at risk. However, situations completely out of our control like weather conditions that bring hail, storms and strong winds can damage our roofs and leave us in a major crisis. In addition to having a good plumber and electrician on the books in case of emergencies, it is also a good idea to have a reliable experienced local roofer so that you are covered when emergencies happen.
 
If we exclude extreme weather conditions highlighted above that lead to emergencies, to get the best out of your roof, it is essential that your roof is given the love and attention it deserves over time. One cannot only think of their roof in emergency situations. In this article, we present some guidelines to preserving your roof so that it lasts longer.
 
Inspect regularly
It is vital to visually inspect your roof regularly to make sure that all is in order. For a visual inspection take up strategic positions outside the building and get a good view of the roof, this way you point out any abnormal issues. Check if the roofing tiles have shifted, check for any cracks, look at the roof edges or if you notice any change in colour of the tiles. See if there are missing, rotted, warped or broken shingles or shakes and if a third of the roof is damaged, the whole roof needs replacing. Also have inspections after major adverse weather conditions like storms, heavy snow or heavy rain.
 
Clear away debris
Where possible clear away any debris on the roof as this helps keep the roof in top shape. So, leaves, broken branches and any stuff found on the roof needs to be removed. We suggest this is done at least once a year especially after the summer and leading into the fall or after winter and leading into spring.

Replace broken shingles
It is important to get a reliable roofing company to replace any broken shingles as soon as possible so as not to expose other parts of your roof. Find the right colours of shingles that match the roof and replace them.

Avoid the Power Washing Option
For many, the power washing option seems like a good way of cleaning the roof however we think otherwise. A study has shown that concentrated spray can loosen the granules from the product’s top coating and therefore result in damage that cannot be covered by the warranty. Also, if toxic materials are used in the power wash it may corrode the shingles and cause long term damage to your roof. It is better to use a leaf blower. You can hire a professional like a handyman to assist you clean your roof.
 
Regular Gutter Cleaning
Following on from the last point, it is important to keep the gutters always clean which makes it easier for surface water to run off. Again, hire a professional that can use a leaf blower and other tools to clean the gutters. This prevents water building up on parts of the roof which will lead to leaks in the long term.
 
Trimming nearby trees and their wayward branches
It is not uncommon to find tree branches growing abnormally into a roof and these branches can brush around the roof and erode roofing materials. We advise that you engage an experienced tree surgeon to trim such trees with their branches and keep them away from your roof.
 
Fortify your roof
If you live in areas prone to extreme weather conditions like strong winds, storms, and hails then it is important that you take extra measures to fortify your roof so that it keeps working for you longer. If you have a new roof, speak to your local expert roofer about fortifying your roof and they can recommend this three stage process which consists of (a) installing seal decking with special tape or sealant (b) using ring shank nails which helps resist wind uplift (c) lock down the roofs edges with metal flashing.
 
If any of these measures are unclear or you need more help or guidance, then reach out to our team for help. We will be happy to talk to you.