The roof is possibly the most crucial component of your home. This component of your house protects you and your things directly from the environmental elements. As a result, it is fairly surprising that many individuals take the condition of their roofs for granted.

Many homeowners only give heed to their roofs when they discover a big problem, such as a leak or storm damage.

Generally, a roof lives upto 15 to 20 years. However, it largely depends on the type of roofing material, roof care, and maintenance schedules.

Do you want your roof to last longer?

Follow this guide straight from renowned roofing contractors Melbourne and increase your roof’s longevity.

What are the causes of roof damage?

The roof is built to withstand impacts over the duration of its life. It does, however, require regular care to control or prevent damage from:

• The environmental elements. For example, hail, wind, snow, sunlight, rain, etc.
• Poor installation methods
• Alteration in building usage
• Plant waste or blue-algae growth as examples of biological growth
• Repairs and upkeep that are inconsistent

How to extend the roof’s life?

1. Schedule regular cleaning

Australia is known for its hot weather. So, your roof is exposed to warm, humid air, which promotes the growth of moss and algae.

They degrade your roof over time by taking granules from the tiles and creating spaces where rainwater gathers.

So, schedule roof cleaning to keep moss and algae from reducing the longevity of your roof. Soft power washing removes plants and dirt from the surface of your roof, leaving you with a clean surface and better curb appeal.

2. Annual roof inspections

Some problems may be invisible from the ground. Therefore, an annual examination with someone on your roof is essential. If you are uncomfortable climbing onto the roof, hire roofing contractors Melbourne to inspect it.

However, make sure you hire someone who can handle repairs rather than trying to sell you a full new roof! These little fixes might save you money in the long run.

3. Eliminate standing water

Using a brush or a squeegee, remove puddled water from the roof. This is especially crucial if your roof is flat and receives little direct sunlight throughout the day.

Once the ponding water has been removed from the roof, try to discover what caused it. For example, tree limbs shade the roof all day or the roof pitch is incorrect or sagging.

Have a roofing professional come if required, as resolving the problem early might save money in the long run.

4. Reduce foot traffic on the roof

Foot traffic might cause your roof to wear out faster. It is expected that maintenance people and other professionals would need to go onto your roof from time to time if you have a solar roof vent on your roof.

Allow just selected persons to visit your roof on specific occasions to avoid high foot traffic. Also, before allowing someone to climb your roof to do maintenance or repairs, make sure to question any pointed or sharp items that might rupture your roofing membrane.

5. Ventilation and insulation are important

As you can see, water is the most serious threat to the lifespan of your roof. Heat, on the other hand, can also be an issue.

Hot air tends to accumulate in the attic if your house does not have enough ventilation. Moreover, it cannot go anywhere else.

Is this sufficient to set fire to your house? Certainly not.

However, it is similar to frying your roof on low heat all day…for years. Moreover, both wood and asphalt shingles degrade over time, and heat hastens this process.

6. Small damages can intensify

As homeowners, we generally resist stepping up on our rooftops for a thorough examination. However, if done carefully, you may be able to spot minor flaws before they become major difficulties.

Look for broken shingles, missing or cracked roof tiles, warped or splitting lead flashing, crumbling masonry, or even minor areas of decay and weakness. If they are ignored, it might become a significant costly problem.

If you cannot perform spot repairs or reseal on your own, contact roofing contractors Melbourne to avoid long-term problems.

7. Trim nearby bushes and trees

Trees provide life and beauty to your property, but if you do not keep a watch on them, they can cause damage to your roofing system.

Tree branches may scrape across rooftops, dislodging the protecting granules on the shingles. Branches and limbs may be knocked off and land on your roof during a storm. This inflicts physical damage and enables easy access for tiny animals to penetrate your home.

If trees are near your roof, ensure they are pruned and maintained regularly to decrease the possibility of them harming your roofing system.

Additionally, shrubs and other ground landscaping should also allow adequate space for your gutters to drain water away from your property, preventing foundation damage.

8. Clean your gutters

Rain, snow, and debris accumulate in your gutters over time. The extra weight puts strain on your roof, which can undermine the structural integrity of your home and cause early breaking.

Overflowing gutters can even damage the roof to the point of collapse in extreme circumstances. Older gutters may also be a breeding ground for mold, which can subsequently spread to the rest of your roof.

So, get your gutters cleaned and install gutter protectors. They serve as the first line of defense by keeping leaves out of your gutters.

You may also hire roofing contractors Melbourne to maintain your gutters.

9. Check your attic for leaks

Although you cannot continually inspect the surface of your roof for holes or broken shingles, you may check your attic for indicators of a roof leak, such as:

• Water stains on the ceiling or walls
• Mildew odor
• Water drippings or pools

As roof leaks are among the most common problems, it is critical to keep ahead by regularly examining your attic for symptoms of a leak. This can help you prolong the lifespan of your roof and arrange maintenance in a timely way.

10. Have your roof inspected following a severe weather event

Do you assess your home for indications of residential roofing deterioration after a hail storm or other severe weather event?

Storms have the potential to damage your shingles and metal ventilation systems. Storm damage is frequently related to leaks. If you require an urgent roof repair, do not delay to contact a skilled roofer.

Moreover, it is beneficial to have your own storm preparation strategy in place.

Begin by scanning the outside of your house from the ground up. Look for fallen shingles, hail damage, and leaks in your home. Document whatever you find for insurance purposes.

The bottom line!

Everything tends to survive longer if properly cared for. So, roof maintenance is essential for extending the life of your roof.

While there is no need to stress over the condition of your roof, it is always beneficial to be aware of the situation.

Because small roof concerns, if ignored, may lead to a bothersome, time-consuming, and costly problem. Hence, regular roof inspections from roofing contractors Melbourne will save you a lot of money in the long term.