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Five Tips To Help You Get More Life Out Of Your Roofing

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If you have conventional asphalt roofing on your home, it will eventually need to be replaced. The shingles on your roof will have an average life span that can be anywhere from 10 to 15 years. If you do not care for your roof though, this time can be greatly reduced and you will need to replace your roof sooner. If you want to get the most out of your roofing, here are some tips to help make your roofing last longer:

1. Keeping Gutters And Roof Edges Free Of Debris

The gutters and edges of your roof can be a place for potential problems. If you have gutters, it is important to keep them clean, which will help to prevent moisture problems. You may want to consider installing gutter guards to help protect the gutters and your roofing. With low-pitch roofs, it is also important to keep debris off the roof.

2. Trimming Trees Back To Protect The Roofing 

Trees can contribute to many problems with your roof. They can lose branches, which can cause damage to shingles. If you have large hardwoods, the shade can also contribute to fungus growth that damages the shingles. Keep trees pruned to reduce debris on your roof. To reduce shade, cut branches from the canopy to allow more sunlight on the roof and prevent fungus.

3. Regular Inspection For Leaks And Moisture Damage 

Moisture can sometimes go unnoticed for a long time before repairs are done. You can prevent a lot of roof problems by regularly inspecting for leaks in the attic. Take a flashlight; look for signs of moisture on rafters and roof decking. In areas you cannot see, look for watermarks and other signs of moisture.

4. Inspect Any Rooftop Mechanical Systems Regularly

Modern homes can have many different rooftop mechanical systems. These systems can include solar panels, satellites and vents. Inspect these installations regularly for any problems. Old plumbing vents and other mechanical systems can have boots that degrade and need to be replaced over time.

5. Keeping Moss And Lichen Growth Under Control

Moss, lichen and fungus growth harbor moisture that can cause rot and decay of shingles and wood. It is important to keep fungus growth under control. You can use a light bleach mixture to kill fungus. Sunlight can also reduce fungus problems. If you have a shaded area, you may want to consider adding zinc strips to the top of the roof to stop fungus from growing.

These are some tips that can help you get the most out of your shingles. If you are ready to have a new roof installed on your home, contact a roofing contractor such as VK Roofing and talk with them about the best products to get the most life out of your roof.


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