The 3 Best Residential Roofing Practices You Can Do

The roof plays a critical role in protecting your property and family from the elements regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. With proper installation and maintenance, your roof should keep you safe and dry for decades. Unfortunately, your roof will suffer from wear and tear over the years, but when you keep up to date with preventive maintenance, you can solve issues quickly and easily. Here are the top three residential roofing practices you can do:

1. Keep Tabs On Roof Maintenance

It is an excellent idea to periodically carry out visual inspections of your roof. After heavy storms, try to walk around your home to see if there are any visible signs of damage or if debris has accumulated on your roof. Rotting tree branches and leaves can cause damage to shingles and clog your gutter system.

If you spot any signs of damage, you should call a reputable local roofing contractor and arrange for repairs as soon as possible. It’s recommended you have your roof inspected twice a year by a professional and after heavy storms. This way, you can identify minor issues and fix them early before they escalate into major, costly problems requiring a full roof replacement.

2. Keep Clear Records Regarding Your Roof

Keep comprehensive records regarding your roof, including when it was installed, maintenance done on it, and any other pertinent information. Other than helping you know when to schedule periodic inspections and maintenance, keeping clear records about your roof can help keep your warranty intact. Records of dates and details of roofers who stepped on your roof can also help you identify the cause of roofing issues and show due diligence with your roof maintenance plans.

3. Never Go Up Your Roof

Although you can regularly conduct visual inspections of your roof or clean any debris on your roof and gutters from a ladder, it’s never advisable to go on the roof yourself. Let a professional roofer carry out any work. Roofing is one of the riskiest professions due to the heights involved.

From the ground level, you can, however, carry out visual inspection of your roof and look out for the following:

• Missing or broken shingles
• Debris on your roof
• Areas of previous repairs to see if they’re holding up
• Granules in your gutters or downspouts
• Signs of moisture in your home’s interior (leaks, wet walls, mold, mildew, etc.)
• Moss or algae growing

Only an experienced roofer has the training, expertise, and equipment to safely climb up roofs and carry out detailed inspections and necessary repairs. Typically, early discovery of issues can lead to cheaper and more manageable solutions.

At Guardian Homes in the greater Puget Sound Area, we have the experience to maintain your roof and provide you with invaluable tips on how to care for it. Our roofing specialists will also give you a rough estimate of how much longer your roof will last. Contact us today to schedule your roofing inspection.

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How To Know How Long Your Roof Will Last

Repairing or replacing your roofing system can be a costly proposition. So, it’s important as a homeowner to understand the life expectancies of different roofing materials to make an informed choice when investing in a new roof. Here is a quick roundup of how long various residential roofing materials last.

Asphalt Shingles

An asphalt shingle roof lasts around 15 to 25 years when properly maintained and barring significant storms or disasters. However, you will need to have your roof thoroughly inspected by a professional around the 15-year mark, especially if your roof has faced a major weather issue.

If you suspect your asphalt shingles might need repairs or replacement, look out for major cracks, curled shingles around the edges, or missing granules. A hailstorm, tornado, blizzard, or other catastrophic weather event could shorten the lifetime, prompting untimely repairs or replacement.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing systems are becoming increasingly popular for residential homes, thanks to their longevity. With proper installation and maintenance, metal roofs can last for decades. Typically, a metal roof can last for up to 50 years or even longer if it is well cared for and no major storms or other problems occur. In fact, copper or zinc can remain beautiful and fully functional for 100 years, making their high upfront cost well worth the investment.

Low Slope and Flat Roofing

If your home has a flat or low-sloped roof, a roofing membrane such as EPDM can be an ideal choice due to its low cost and ease of installation and repair. However, EPDM roofs only last 5-15 years and are prone to leakage due to their glued or taped seams. TPO or PVC roof membranes are more costly but relatively more durable alternatives for flat or low-sloped roofs.

Cedar Shake and Wood Shingles

Cedar roofing offers an elegant and timeless appearance. It’s highly rot and insect-resistant, making it last for decades or even longer with proper maintenance. Typically, cedar shingles or shakes can last 30-40 years depending on the climate, level of maintenance, and presence of any overhanging trees which can cause faster deterioration. When you begin to notice cedar shingles or shakes peeling or cracking, then you know it is time to consider repairing or replacing your roof.

Tile

Tile roofing systems are popular in warmer, wetter climates due to their impressive heating and cooling efficiencies and water resistance. The lifespan of your tile roof will largely depend on the specific type of tile you choose and the prevailing weather conditions in your region. Overall, tile roofs can last 100 years or longer with proper care.

While the lifespan of your roof will largely depend on the specific roofing material you choose, the installation technique and maintenance routines will significantly shorten or prolong the life expectancy of your roof. Always work with a reliable, local roofer for all your roofing and maintenance needs. Guardian Homes is your ultimate roofing partner in the greater Puget Sound Area. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!

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