Everything from the value of your home to the people who live beneath it is protected by your roof.

All of this, however, is contingent on how long your roof lasts, or its roof lifespan. More often than not, it’s little flaws that jeopardize your roof’s potential for further miles.

By staying on top of the little things, like fixing broken tiles or missing shingles, you’ll keep them from snowballing into major issues like leaks, structural damage, or mold. This proactive approach will help extend your roof lifespan, allowing you to avoid more costly repairs down the road, as well as hazards to your health and your home’s air quality.

By normal standards, you can expect a roof lifespan to be between 10 and 30 years, provided it is kept in good shape and maintained regularly. It’s also crucial to understand what can cause damage to your roof.

Read on for some simple hacks to extend the lifespan of your roof…..

What Can Cause Roof Damage?

Weather – especially in Arizona, with extremes ranging from blistering sun to monsoons
Heavy rainstorms
High gusts of wind
Debris from trees
Detritus such as dirt, dust, and other organic matter

Get More Miles out of Your Roof Lifespan

Here we discuss some basic strategies to improve roof lifespan. This will provide you insight into what roofing experts look for and how you can extend the lifespan of your roof, from basic upkeep to roof inspections and attic ventilation. (Even better, assess a roof before you buy a house!

1. Remove any trash and dust from the roof

You should hose down your roof at least once or twice a year.

This, however, can vary depending on where you live, the types of trees in your neighborhood, and the weather. If we have a particularly dry and dusty season in Arizona, for example, your roof may require more frequent cleanings. It may also necessitate a more thorough cleaning than a garden hose can provide.

An important reminder about pressure washing: leave it to the professionals! Your roof should never be pressure washed. While some claim pressure washing is fine as long as the stream is indirect, as a homeowner, you don’t want to take any chances.

Why not use a high-pressure washer? To begin with, the majority of roofs in Arizona are tiled. Because tiles are porous, they can be cracked or shattered by a pressure washer. Also, if you use the wrong cleansers or chemicals, the integrity of the tiles, as well as your entire roof, can be jeopardized. So, while cleaning your roof is vital, it may not be enough in the long term without the assistance of a professional.

Additionally, proper maintenance and cleaning are critical to extending your roof lifespan. Neglecting these tasks or using improper cleaning methods can significantly reduce the lifespan of your roof, leading to costly repairs or early replacement

2. Look after the gutters

Cleaning gutters is within most people’s capabilities as long as they practice caution and use the proper tools. You should clean them every three months but inspect them more frequently. You don’t want to wait for a downpour to discover that your gutters are clogged.

Rain can back up onto your roof or even down into your basement if your gutters can’t handle the unexpected onslaught of water. If your gutters have become clogged with debris, you should contact a residential roofing provider.

3. Replace any tiles that are broken or cracked

Repairing tiles is one of the simplest but most important things you can do to improve roof lifespan. It safeguards the vital underlayment (weatherproofing layer) as well as the entire roof system. It’s also one of the most effective ways to keep water out.

Water may cause a slew of problems, from stains to foundation issues to mold. Contact a roofing professional as soon as you see a damaged tile and have it repaired.

4. After a storm, inspect the roof

You should inspect your roof after a storm, especially if there is a lot of rain or wind.

Take a trip around your home and look for any cracked tiles, trash, or visible pools on the roof. This is also an excellent opportunity to check that your gutters are in good working order.

If there’s any debris, you’ll want to get rid of it as soon as possible. If you can’t do it yourself, get a roofing pro to do it for you.

5. Have your roof inspected at least once a year

It’s a good idea to hire a professional to inspect your roof annually. A yearly inspection not only saves you money in the long run but also helps you extend your roof lifespan.

A roofing professional will look for any signs of damage, such as bubbling, blistering, slipping tiles, debris buildup, and water damage. They’ll also be able to detect concealed problem areas that could lead to more serious problems or even roof failure.

While a homeowner can keep an eye on their roof, an inspection by a roofing professional is recommended. Even the most conscientious homeowner can shatter a tile if they step in the wrong spot. Extreme caution should be exercised while getting on the roof.

6. Get your roof repaired or assessed when there’s a problem

Having roof problems addressed immediately is what saves you money and extends the roof lifespan.

Don’t let those small issues snowball! Any time you have water where it shouldn’t be or a suspected leak, call in an expert! A tended-to roof protects the roof system, the foundation of your home, and the health of your family.

7. Trim nearby trees

It may come as a surprise, but trimming trees is part of regular roof maintenance. However, how often you do so is dependent on the trees around your home.

That is to say, you’ll need to do this as often as it’s necessary. Though trees provide shade and beauty, you don’t want tree branches hanging over your roof and will need to trim them back.

Also, branches, leaf debris, and palm tree fronds can cause serious damage. Pine needles, too, are especially notorious for clogging a roof’s drainage system.

It’s never a bad idea to call in experts to handle this. You don’t want to inadvertently trim a tree branch and have it land on your roof!

8. Ensure proper attic ventilation

Circulation of hot air out of your attic – and cool air in – is critical to the health of your roof. If there’s an obstruction and air gets trapped, this can lead to a damp attic. That leads to water build-up, and you guessed it, mold.

So, at least once a year, check to make sure the roof vents and soffits are in good shape. (Soffits are the intake vents on the underside of the roof). This means no obstructions, pests, or other issues.

While this can be done by a homeowner, if you notice any issues or need to access the roof to check on a vent, you should consider calling in a roofing expert.

Need some help with staying on top of your roof maintenance?

Contact NF Roofing for assistance today!

8 Pro Tips to Extend Your Roof Lifespan