Being a roof is a thankless job. It’s protecting your home, belongings, and family 24/7 but for the most part, we never give a single thought to our roof. As long as it’s doing its job, we tend to forget it’s even up there. A great way to say thanks to your roof for all the hours of protection it provides is to help protect it as well. A little bit of time and money invested into maintaining your roof will ensure that your roof can continue to protect your home for the maximum amount of time possible.

Your roof’s lifespan

The expected lifespan of your roof depends on a number of factors. The roofing material, for instance, will drastically effect the life of your roof with standard asphalt shingles lasting around 10-20 years, while other materials like tile, slate, or metal can last decades. Climate and the quality of the installation can also play a role.

But no matter what roofing material you have and what the climate is in your area, your roof won’t last as long as it could if you don’t properly maintain it. Roofs are worn down over time by rain, snow, wind, and even sunshine. Roof damage that goes unfixed can decrease the lifespan of your roof.

So while no one relishes the thought of putting money into roof repairs, it’s a wise investment. Just as you wouldn’t skip oil changes, alignments, and other preventative maintenance on your car to save a few bucks, you shouldn’t ignore roof maintenance. It will only cost you more in the long run.

Have your roof inspected

Some signs of roof damage are fairly obvious. You can probably spot shingles that are cracked, curling, or missing altogether from the ground. Though it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your roof for signs of damage, that doesn’t replace the need for a roof inspection conducted by a professional roofer. A professional can get on the roof and look closer for signs of damage that aren’t visible from the ground or visible to the untrained eye.

A roof inspection will not only uncover any problems with the roof itself but a roofer can also diagnose a problem with the roof deck, flashing, and rain gutters. If you’ve haven’t had your roof inspected in a while, that’s a good place to start.

Fix roof problems immediately

When shingles are cracked or curling, or when there are gaps in the flashing, or when the roof deck is compromised, your roof can’t protect your home as well as it should. Water can seep in where it will damage your roof further. If an inspection uncovers problems, don’t wait to get them fixed. By keeping your roof in top shape year round, you’ll get the most out of your roof.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: shreveporttimes.com/story/marketplace/real-estate/2016/02/21/protecting-protects-roof-maintenance/80704518/