The average roof is built to last between 20 and 30 years, but there are some things – like storm damage and rapid temperature changes – that can cause it to age poorly. The good news? You can extend your roof’s lifespan by using these residential roofing tips from the pros!
Residential Roofing Tips from the Pros
A little bit of maintenance goes a long way when it comes to residential roofing. Use these roofing tips to take care of your roof and help protect your investment:
Clean Your Gutters Frequently
Gutters can easily become clogged with leaves and other debris. When it rains, those clogs can cause water to back up. Backed-up water in your gutters can damage your shingles and the actual roof beneath them. Most experts recommend cleaning out your gutters at least twice each year. If you maintain your gutters in the spring and fall, they’ll be ready when the water starts pouring through either from spring rains or melting snow.
Have Regular Roof Inspections
You can conduct a small visual inspection from the ground or climb up on your roof to get a birds-eye view, but nothing beats a residential roof inspection conducted by a professional. We check everything, documenting any damage on the roof, so you’ll know exactly what needs to be fixed.
Prune Overhanging Tree Branches
Overhanging tree branches can bang up against your roof during high winds or storms, or they can brush against your shingles repeatedly and degrade their integrity. In some cases, overhanging tree branches can create ideal conditions for algae or mold to grow, which can eventually cause leaks if left untreated. If you see branches or other debris on your roof, remove it immediately to protect your roof’s surface.
Repair Storm Damage Immediately
If left untreated, even minor damage can cause major problems. A tiny leak from a lifted, broken or missing shingle can let water into the roof deck, where it’ll cause the wood to swell – or worse, trickle down into your home and cause major water damage. Sometimes with storm damage, one thing can lead to another. If you suspect a storm, rain, hail or high winds have damaged your roof, contact us immediately. Making small fixes now can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs later.
Replace Damaged or Worn Shingles Right Away
Shingles are there to provide a layer of protection to your roof, and by extension, your entire house. You need to replace damaged or worn shingles immediately, particularly if they’re curling up at the edges; cracked; missing granules; covered in dark streaks, which can be algae growth; and/or hosting moss or mold.
Contact Us for All of Your Roofing Needs
K & M Roofing and Contracting is dedicated to exceeding your expectations with all of our Northern Virginia roofing services, and we do that by always putting our customers’ satisfaction as a top priority. If you need roof repairs or are considering a complete roof replacement in Northern Virginia, we’re the company to call—so contact us today to learn more about what we offer!