You can extend your home roof’s lifespan through regular roofing maintenance and roof cleaning. By fixing little problems as they occur, homeowners can save the expense of having to pay for major roof repairs later on down the road.

Roof Repairs: Water and Roof Leaks

The primary issue that roof maintenance tries to prevent is leaks that can lead to internal water damage and expensive roof repairs. An important aspect of roof tile maintenance is performing a complete roof inspection just after winter ends and after the heat of the summer has passed. Temperature fluctuations can cause changes in the roof that can result in leaks. Pay close attention to venting, flashings, or other parts of the roof where leaks occur the most.

If a water leak is left unattended, it will damage the trusses that support the roof. An exposed roof can also lead to rot and damage to the ceiling inside the structure. Since trusses support the roof, a professional should be called in before you begin roof repairs.

Other Roofing Maintenance Issues

There are a number of other maintenance issues besides dealing with leaks. On cedar shake and wood shingle roofs, fungus and algae can develop which, if untreated, can cause the roof to rot, causing the need for major roof repair. On tile roofs, broken or missing tile maintenance should be replaced as soon as possible, and the open part of the roof should be covered with a tarp. Insect infestation can also occur if holes in the roof aren’t sealed.

Following a few basic rules will help keep roofing maintenance needs to a minimum:

• Deal with exposed roof felts immediately by covering the area with a tarp and calling a professional.
• Keep gutters, roof drains and downspouts free from leaves and other debris.
• Only allow qualified personnel to do roof/tile maintenance.
• Pay attention to areas around flashings, vents, and other roof penetrations.
• Perform regular roof cleaning and remove debris.

Aside from roof tile maintenance, a home roof’s lifespan can vary depending on a number of other factors. Here are a few:

• Climate and weather determine how long your roof lasts, as storms degrade a roof over time.
• Exposure to the sun causes wear. In the northern hemisphere the part of the roof that faces south is most exposed, and in the southern hemisphere it is the part that faces north.
• How well the roof was initially installed will determine how well it holds up over time, which is why it makes sense to pay more for a better installation.
• Slope of roof and how much shade the roof gets will determine moss and mildew buildup.

Weather and Roof Repair

Various things can happen that will require roof repair. One of the foremost is weather. After any severe storm, you should have a trusted professional inspect your roof for damage. Open portions of the roof should be covered if shingles or tiles are missing. You should perform roof repair as soon as possible to ensure that your roof lasts as long as it should.