Wear and tear is part of the life of any material, including your roof structure. There are several factors that defines how long your roof will last, and decide when it needs to be replaced.
How long will the materials last?
18 to 30 years is how long the shingles (made of asphalt) will last. At the same time, wood shakes can last about 15 to 20 years. Steel, slate and tile are the other materials that form a roofing structure, and can last for as long as 50 years. If you have foam roof, it would stay for about 15 years, and it can be nearly doubled using specialized coating.
Keep the following tips in mind to improve the longevity of your roof.
Regular inspections
An ideal time to do a roof inspection is when harsh summer or winter is over. Annual inspection of any roof can help you increase its lifespan by a great deal. It’s much easier to fix a cracked wood shake or drips and leaks when caught early.
Cleaning clogged gutters
Clogged roof gutters can affect the siding or basement of your roof. In addition, your roof can start to rot if leaves are piled on. It’s important to clean the gutters after every spring and fall.
Trees around your roof
If you live in an area where there is a lot of rain or moisture, it’s best if you can trim off the trees hanging over your roof. This can help to reduce the wear and tear on your roof. On the contrary, it’s best to keep the trees around if you live in a sunny area.
Cleaning moss
Moss can start to build up if you live in an area where there is not a lot of sunlight. Taking care of the moss that accumulated early will help prevent water trapping and damages to your roof.
