3 Excellent Ways to Prolong Your Roof’s Lifespan

Re-roofing is one of the most expensive jobs you will have to do for your home. Unfortunately, the job always comes around sooner than you expected – and sooner than you think it should. You can’t avoid replacing your roof when it’s time for it, but you can extend the time between roof replacements. You just need to learn how to take care of your roof between replacement to extend its lifespan as long as possible.

Here are three excellent things you can do to keep your roof in tip-top shape and give it the longest lifespan you can:

Clean It

You might have your mind on the intense rains and winds that whip through Arizona each summer as the biggest threats to your roof, but they aren’t the only threats. Something as seemingly benign as leaf clutter can actually wear away at your roof over time. Leaves, branches, and other organic matter can break down over time, attracting pests and composting right on your roof. That process can eat into your shingles, underlayment, and other roofing material, making your roof vulnerable and shortening its lifespan.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to remedy. You can use a leaf blower or broom to clear away the leaf clutter or other organic materials to keep your roof clean. If stains or dirt settle into the shingles, you can use a simple cleaning solution and a soft brush to wash the debris away. Taking the simple step of cleaning your roof can extend its life significantly, as well as minimize the amount of repairs you’ll have to make.

Maintain It

Your roof needs regular maintenance to remain healthy. Otherwise, the flashing can come loose, the shingles can tear off, the underlayment can erode, and so on. Any vulnerabilities can lead to big problems for your roof, as well as a shorter life span.

Work with an experienced roofing contractor to set up a regular maintenance program for your roof, including an annual inspection. The maintenance will include checking for and replacing any loose shingles or tiles, cleaning the gutters, tightening any fasteners, checking that there is proper ventilation, and more. You can also ask your roofer to clean your roof as part of the maintenance.

Repair It

Obviously, your roof won’t last very long if it has huge problems that need repairing. Leaving problems unrepaired just leaves your roof open to more damage. For example, if your roof has a small leak, you might not think that it’s much of a big deal. You just put out a bucket to catch the drip and think it’s ok until there’s a more convenient time to make the repair. The problem is that whatever caused the leak in the first place is continuing to work on your roof, spreading the damage. At the same time, additional water is spreading through your roofing materials and your home, continuing to break down those materials and increasing the risk of mold and mildew.

Get your roof repaired as soon as you know it needs to be done. You’ll save more money in the long run, and you’ll extend the life of your roof.

There’s no big trick or great secret to prolonging the life of your roof. You need to take some common sense measures, including keeping it clean, keeping it maintained, and making repairs as soon as they’re needed. Develop a strong relationship with an experienced roofer from a reputable Phoenix roofing company to create the right plan for your roof and to get tailored feedback for it. You’ll keep your roof in top shape for longer, saving yourself a lot of hassle and a lot of money.

Allstate Roofing is a trusted Phoenix roofing company serving the area, including Peoria and North Phoenix. Our licensed and skilled roofers work on all types of roofs in the Phoenix area, including shingle roofs and tile roofs. We also install foam roofs for commercial buildings and homes with flat roofs. Our roofers can maintain and repair your roof, or they can help you understand your re-roofing options when it’s time (as well as install your new roof). Call us today to get a free estimate or to schedule an inspection.