Tips & Tricks to Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
The roof is one of the most crucial parts of a house’s structure, protecting it from the elements and keeping it secure. Minnesota can be tough on rooftops because of its harsh winters and unpredictable climate. Especially if you are moving in from a warmer climate, it is vital to be sure that you are going through the correct process to ensure your home is safe and secure.
How Can I Extend My Membrane Roof’s Lifespan?
Maintaining your roof’s condition is essential to saving money and preventing needless repairs. Here are some of the ways that you can extend the lifespan of your Minnesota roof.
1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Having someone experienced inspect your roof periodically can help identify underlying issues that may be causing damage to your roof. Most contractors recommend an inspection every two years or once a year for older roofs.
Maintenance can entail repairing damaged shingles or sealants, re-flashing, identifying leaks and making repairs, cleaning debris, and ensuring your gutters are functioning correctly, among many other things. It ensures that your roof stays in good condition and that you solve problems before they worsen and require pricier repairs.
If you want to replace a roof, it is also wise to talk with an expert. But not just any company, find a Minnesota roofing company. They will know what option is best for you and will save you money.
In the first 10 years, a roof should be inspected biannually by a professional roofing contractor. If you’re overdue for an inspection, schedule a free assessment today!
2. Proper Ventilation
Proper roof ventilation enables any accumulated heat to escape from the attic area, preventing snow and ice on the roof from melting. Otherwise, the snow can melt and refreeze around the eaves, creating ice dams. These can cause significant mess and water intrusion into your house if left to persist too long. Adequate ventilation can prevent ice dams from happening and minimize any associated damage.
3. Regular Cleaning
Minnesota roofs often contend with significant debris falling from neighboring trees, such as leaves, twigs, and branches. These can sit on your roof and hold moisture, create clogged gutters or downspouts, and promote the growth of algae and moss, leading to the breakdown of your roof.
Regular cleaning can minimize build-up and uncover any issues, such as cracks or missing shingles. This is easy to prevent further damage and unnecessary wear and tear. Anyone not afraid of getting onto the roof can clean it, but a more intense deep clean should be done by professionals.
4. Choose the Right Materials
Minnesota possesses a climate where winter months are particularly long, and snow and ice can build up on your roof. They can cause structural damage and leaks if not adequately managed. Choosing suitable roofing materials can help extend your roof’s lifespan.
Slate, metal roofing, tile, and asphalt shingles are popular options for Minnesota homeowners. Each one has its advantages, so discussing the pros and cons with an experienced contractor is best.
5. Regular Gutter and Downspout Maintenance
Keeping your gutters clear of debris can prevent problems such as water damage to the roof and walls from backed-up water and alleviates mold growth. This unwanted build-up can also make your gutter system sag or break away from your roof.
Regular maintenance means clearing out the gutters and removing accumulated debris on the roof. Ensure there are no clogs present and your drainage system is free-flowing. The easiest way to check this is to see how much water is flowing when snow melts rapidly. If the stream of water is slow or non-existent, you’ll know you have an issue.
6. Stay on Top of Repairs
Often, even after going through all of these steps and receiving recommendations on next steps, people decide to postpone or wait on any repairs because the issue is “minor.”
In a tropical climate, this may be okay. After all, it could take years for minor issues to become big problems. In a place like Minnesota, however, it is just the opposite. Two feet of snow weigh about 40 pounds in a cubic square. Minor issues can quickly escalate if this weight stays in an area of weakness.
Below are just five reasons to stay on top of repairs, some of which have already been mentioned:
- Prevent damage from getting worse: By staying on top of minor repairs, homeowners can prevent the damage from spreading and save money on more extensive repairs.
- Protect the home from the elements: The roof is the primary defense against weather elements such as wind, rain, snow, and hail. Even minor damage, like a small leak, can compromise the roof’s ability to protect the home from these elements, resulting in more significant damage.
- Maintain the home’s value: Neglecting minor repairs can lead to visible damage and decrease the home’s curb appeal, leading to a lower appraisal value.
- Increase energy efficiency: Staying on top of minor repairs helps maintain the roof’s energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.
- Safety: By fixing minor issues promptly, homeowners can ensure their roof is safe and sturdy for themselves and their families, especially during severe weather.
Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan With Rainville Carlson
Your Minnesota roof is an integral part of your home, and maintaining it should be a priority. Regular inspections, ventilation, cleaning, and routine maintenance all play a vital role in keeping your roof in good condition—luckily, Rainville Carlson offers all of these services to extend your roof’s lifespan.