You and your roof have been through a lot together. The wind and the rain from storms, the hot sunny afternoons in the summer. And all the while, it has protected you from the outside elements that can cause damage to your interior. But roofs are not invincible and weather over time from the changing seasons and from time itself.
Even the best roofs will need to be replaced at some point in the ownership of a home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a roof last as long as possible and get the most out of it. Especially with the cost associated with repairing a roof. So, how can you extend the roof life of your Oregon home?
Here are some helpful tips to point you in the right direction:
1. Clean Up Your Gutters
Water can be your roof’s natural enemy. Whether it’s leaking into your home or building up in pockets, water can cause damage to your roof if it accumulates under shingles and other areas of your roof. Funguses and moss can grow where water isn’t being drained properly and give you a headache if left unchecked.
One cause of water buildup is clogged gutters. Gutters fill up with debris and this can make rainwater unable to drain. An easy fix is to get a ladder and inspect the top of the gutter. Usually, a good hosing down will take care of most of the debris that collects in your gutter. Wearing gloves, you can also scoop out larger debris such as leaves and sticks. Just make sure to stay safe and have someone watch you from the bottom of the ladder.
2. Watch Out for Ice
When the seasons change, so do the types of issues the roof life of your Oregon home faces. When ice rapidly thaws, then hardens, then thaws again, this can cause damage to the shingles of your roof. Or even cause blockages to your gutter drains. And when your shingles are damaged, there’s a potential for leaks to happen inside your home.
After a heavy snowstorm, check to make sure the snow is cleared off your roof. Water left over from snowfall can easily turn to ice when the temperature falls, creating an ice dam. If there is snow left on your roof, remove it with a snow shovel or even a rake. This preventive maintenance is worth it in the long run.
3. Inspect Your Shingles
Depending on your roof, shingles are known to wear away or even break off over time. Finding where these missing shingles are can pinpoint problems before they get worse. Shingles help keep the outside elements from entering your home and rotting out the inside of your roof from water damage. The more time passes before damaged shingles are taken care of, the more of a chance the damage done to your roof will be severe. You can visually inspect your roof by using a ladder or from a distance using binoculars.
4. Look Into Using a Roof Sealant/Coating
There is another added layer of protection you can add to your roof. A roof coating will help keep your shingles intact as well as prevent water from sticking to your roof. Roof sealant is applied after clearing your roof of debris and cleaning it. The sealant is then applied with a brush to your shingles. Be sure to check that there are no missing patches before applying the sealant.
While it is possible to apply the coating to your roof yourself, it’s not recommended. Someone new or inexperienced can leave small openings that can cause damage and leaks over time. A professional will have the experience and tools needed to get the job done.
Coating your roof is a wonderful way to protect your roof life in Portland, Oregon: by taking the time and effort to properly coat your roof now, you’ll save even more later.
5. Remove Any Problem Tree Branches Near Your Roof
Trees are a major source of pride for many homes. However, they aren’t without their own set of problems. Trees can contribute to blockages in your gutters thanks to fallen leaves and branches. Falling branches can cause damage to shingles and other parts of a roof too. Animals and insects also love to use them to build nests. An errant squirrel can be enough of a pest to manage without having one living on your roof.
A simple solution is to cut back any fallen or overgrown limbs from trees close to your home. While inspecting your roof or cleaning your gutters, you can see if any of your trees need to be trimmed up and taken care of.
6. Have a Professional Roofing Contractor Inspect the State of Your Roof Regularly
Roofing contractors are professionals that know what to look for when inspecting your roof for problems. They can spot damaged shingles and potential openings in your roof that can lead to leaks. They can also help you to clear the roof of debris and apply a coat of sealant to protect your roof.
Ready to invest in the future of your roof? Interstate Roofing is your solution. Interstate Roofing has been helping to extend the roof life of Portland, Oregon, homes since 1988. Our staff is trained with the latest methods in roof maintenance and repairs. Interstate Roofing is also a member of the National Women in Roofing and the Associated Roofing Contractors of Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Even if you aren’t sure about what your roof needs, you can schedule an appointment and free estimate by visiting our website. Don’t leave the life of your roof to chance: Interstate Roofing is here to help you.