Installing a new roof is a major expenditure for any property owner. To avoid breaking their banks, many homeowners rather put off replacing their roofs for as long as possible. 

Typically, asphalt roofs have a 20-year lifespan. However, during this period they must resist harsh conditions and natural threats. This situation, in addition to lack of maintenance, can lead to premature wear. In turn, the security of your family and belongings may be at risk.

So, to safeguard your family and make your roof last longer consider the following tips.   

Although your roof does have a finite lifespan, there are steps you can do to ensure you get the most use out of it. Over the course of your lifetime, you may save money on roof replacement by performing routine maintenance and repairs. In this article, we’ll go over some basic maintenance procedures that may be used on any roof to prolong its useful life.

Wash Out the Downspouts

Guttering Plays a significant role in protecting your roof from the elements. They can prevent erosion of the ground below your dripline and keep you dry when you’re strolling beneath an overhanging soffit. Gutter systems not only protect your roof from water damage by diverting runoff away from the structure, but they also assist to keep your gutters clear of litter like leaves and twigs. When that happens, they trap moisture against the fascia and roof drip line, which can cause decay and other damage to the roof and the building. To avoid this problem, make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned.

Clean Up the Bushes in the Area

Trees and other plants can provide welcome summertime shade but be aware of the potential for costly roof damage from rubbing. In the event of high winds, a branch that would not ordinarily contact your roof may crash down on it with surprising intensity. Likewise, branches that droop too low might cause a fall danger. Falling branches, especially if they are weak or broken, can cause serious damage to your property. Roof damage may be avoided by regularly trimming all vegetation that is close to the roof and removing any dead wood that is overhanging.

Empty the gutters.

Fast Garbage Collection Required

Another essential roof care chore is checking for and removing any tree branches that may be overhanging your home. Leaves, pine needles, and twigs are common roof debris that can build up over time. Don’t allow this to happen since debris may seriously compromise the roof’s integrity by eroding the roofing surface with continual contact to moisture, adding weight to your roof, and impeding the effective flow of water off the roofing surface. To avoid costly repairs and a shortened roof’s lifespan, you must routinely remove any organic debris that may have accumulated there.

Maintain a schedule of inspections.

A homeowner’s untrained sight isn't suited to spotting problems and proposing solutions. However, a skilled roofing inspector can evaluate your roof’s most important parts, identifying potential problems before they become major headaches. If you want your roof to last as long as possible, you should get it inspected once a year so that any problems can be addressed immediately. Your roof’s ability to shield you from the elements for many years depends on how well you maintain it. 

Call Louisiana Roof Crafters at 985-238-4575 for more information. We service areas in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and New Orleans, LA.