Roofs are designed to last between 15 and 30 years before they need to be replaced. But the only way to get your roof to survive that long is to take proper care of it with regular maintenance. A neglected roof will struggle much more than a roof that has regular maintenance performed on it, making maintenance crucial. To save you money on roof repair in Dearborn Michigan and make your roof last a very long time, you need to be proactive and take on certain responsibilities. Otherwise, you are looking at a very costly future with a lot of problems ahead.
Making Your Roof in Dearborn Michigan Last as Long as Possible
While it may seem like the roof on your home is not something you can maintain, there is actually many things a home owner can do that can help their roof last longer. Of course, if you decide to go on your home’s roof it will be extremely dangerous and not advised. So it’s always best to call a reputable roofing contractor for any work on the roof itself. With that being said, here are some things you can do to help your roof last longer.
Trim Nearby Trees
If you have trees near your home you are risking roof damage from falling leaves and branches. Strong winds and bad weather can end up blowing parts of the tree, or even the whole tree, into your home and destroying your roof. To prevent this, you should keep healthy trees trimmed back and remove sick and dead trees from your property.
Remove Debris
Whether it is leaves, snow, or anything else, you don’t want to leave anything sitting on your roof. This is because they hold moisture and block sunlight, making it easier for water damage to occur. Whether it is a roof rake, or a professional roofer, don’t let debris sit any longer than necessary.
Keep Your Gutters Clear
Gutters are crucial because they help divert water away from your home and prevent moisture damage. But if they become blocked or damaged, they will not be able to perform their job. You need to remove debris from your gutters, as well as snake the piping down through to the downspout. You should also look for signs of corrosion because that can be an indication that you need new gutters. Otherwise, water can overflow onto your roof and even freeze into ice dams during the winter.
Don’t Put Off Repairs
No matter how small the issue may be, even the littlest opening can become massive damage in a relatively short amount of time. Loose and missing shingles are often overlooked because they don’t seem like a big deal, but can lead to roof leaks. Roof leaks can turn into warping and rotting of structural beams, water damage and mold. As soon as you see anything out of place, you need to have someone out to fix it. Otherwise, you can end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unnecessary damage.
Choose the Right Materials
While it can be appealing to go with a less expensive option to help you save money on your roof, you need to look at the long-term benefits of spending more money in the short term. For example, asphalt shingles are extremely cheap, but have a very short lifespan and need lots of maintenance. While other materials may cost more for your roof covering, they can last much longer and will be much more durable.
Don’t Skip on Extra Features
It isn’t just the roof covering that you need to think about when it comes to protecting your roof. Fascia boards, flashings, gutters, and proper insulation are all crucial in keeping your roof protected from moisture damage. This is especially crucial if you have a roof with complex designs creating valleys, chimneys, or skylights. Ideally, you want to have a simple sloped roof with no cuts or modifications done to it.
Get Regular Inspections
Because of the roof’s location, it is difficult to get a full picture of what is going on with your roof. To make sure your roof is doing well and there are no issues, you should have a professional come out to do a thorough inspection of the roof, sub roof and the attic. Ideally you should have it done once a year right before bad weather starts, but you could also do an inspection every few years as many roofers recommend.
Be sure to call Roofing Dearborn today to schedule a roof inspection on your home at (313) 209-6950. They are a fully licensed and insured roofing contractor in Dearborn Michigan and can offer free quotes on your roofing service.
