Every building needs a roof to prevent moisture, pests and the elements from getting in. But no roof can last forever and when it comes time for roof replacement in Dearborn Michigan, you can expect a costly bill. Whether you are trying to get the most out of your roof or are trying to buy some extra time to budget your roof replacement, there are certain things you can do to extend the life of your roof. We’ll take a closer look at some of the things you can do to prolong the life of your home’s roof.
What You Can Do To Make Your Roofing in Dearborn Michigan Last Longer
As the most common roofing materials used in Dearborn Michigan today, asphalt shingles provide great protection for your home at an affordable price. Asphalt shingles can last a long time but they will eventually fail. Keeping the shingles properly maintained can help to prolong their life and prevent damage to the roof. To prevent unnecessary damage and keep your roof as healthy as possible, it is important to take the time to perform regular maintenance. This includes:
Clear Off Your Roof
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to your roof’s health. The moisture can degrade shingles and make its way into your home. Once this moisture is in your home it can collect and create perfect conditions for mold and rot to occur. This can destroy structural beams as well as spread mold throughout the rest of your home. Debris like leaves or a build-up of snow allows moisture to sit in one spot on your roof and continually work its way through. This is why it is crucial to keep your roof clear. You can do this by using things like snow rakes or having a professional physically remove the debris. The best way to ensure you are preventing damage is to check for debris every day and remove it as soon as you see it. If you don’t, you can see a weakening in your roof and shingles very quickly and may need to consider patches.
Cleaning Out Your Gutters
Gutters are a crucial part of keeping your roof in good condition. Gutters serve as a place for the water on the roof to drain off and transport the water to an area away from the home where it won’t cause any more damage. If gutters are clogged they can no longer drain the water from the roof and the moisture can collect. That moisture can then sit on your roof and work its way into your home. This is especially problematic in the colder months like winter because this moisture can freeze and form into ice dams. Moisture can also overflow from the gutters and fall close to the home. This can lead to problems with the foundation and can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. At least once a week and after heavy storms you should clean out your gutters to make sure there is nothing blocking the flow of water.
Trimming Nearby Tree Branches
Leaves are a major cause of debris build up on your roof. If you have nearby trees it is important to not only keep an eye out for leaves on your roof but for overhanging branches. In heavy storms, you can have branches broken and if they land on the roof it can do damage. Branches can also scratch and uproot tiles. To protect your roof it is important to keep your trees trimmed and away from your home. This can mean having to remove trees if they are too close to your home as well to prevent damage in the long term.
Get Regular Inspections
Even while being proactive and keeping up maintenance, things can still go wrong. That is why it is important to have regular inspections done. You should have a professional out at least twice a year to do both an interior and exterior inspection to check for leaks, ventilation issues and any other signs of damage. If you’re concerned about your home’s roof and think there may be a problem, be sure to call Roofing Dearborn today to get a roof inspection. We are a fully licensed roofer in Dearborn Michigan and we offer free estimates on roofing services. Call us today to learn more at 734-209-6350
