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Safeguarding Your Phoenix Home: How To Protect Your Roof From Sun Damage

How To Increase Lifespan of Your Roof

The average lifespan of a roof is around 20 to 40 years. This means that you will have to replace your roof at least once in your lifetime. But, what if there was a way for you to extend the life of your roof? There are some easy ways that homeowners can do this by making repairs on their own and following certain tips when choosing new materials. Here are some steps you can take to keep your roof lasting as long as possible! 

Tips to Increase Lifespan of Your Roof

Clean your roof

The first step to extending the life of your roof is to give it a good cleaning. Roofs gather dirt, dust, mold and debris over time and this can cause them to wear out faster than they would normally. All you have to do is use some water with soap on a sponge or cloth so that you don’t damage the surface of your shingles. Then use a leaf blower to get rid of all of the loose material from the top of your roof. 

Apply a sealant

Apply a sealant to your roof every few years to protect it from the elements. The sealant helps to keep out water and it prevents leaks from forming. It is very affordable and easy to do yourself as all you need are a couple of buckets, brushes and rollers. You just apply the material between each row of shingles in your roof and let it dry completely before using your gutter system again. 

Add vents

Vents can be added to increase airflow within your attic. Hot air rises so by venting it, you can prevent damage that occurs due to more intense heat exposure over time. This also improves ventilation which means that moisture doesn’t build up on top of the roof as much. Vents have an added benefit too because they divert spiders, bugs and rodents who like to hide in dark, tight spaces. 

Damaged Shingles

Check for any missing or damaged shingles and replace them as needed. If you find any, they can be easily replaced with a new one. This will keep heat and water from getting into your attic and causing major damage to the wooden beams or insulation which are laid underneath. You should also replace damaged shingles as soon as possible because if you leave them out for long enough, they can begin to sag and cause an even bigger problem than just a small hole in your roof!

Repair Small Holes

Repair small holes in your roof with tar-based products. If you use waterproof sealant, this will stop the hole from getting bigger. Small holes can be fixed in a couple of hours and they’ll keep your roof safe until you can call someone to replace the entire section of shingles that is damaged.

Check for dry rot

If you’ve noticed discoloration in your walls or floorboards or if there’s been a musty smell coming from upstairs, take a look at the underside of the roof when you’re cleaning it out. When wood is exposed to water over time, it begins to rot and this can cause structural damage that needs to be repaired as soon as possible. You may also see signs of mold on your ceiling which means that moisture has gotten into your attic and is now creating problems there as well.

Seal all seams

Seal all seams between sections of metal panels, such as chimneys and vents, with waterproof caulking compounds. If the sections aren’t sealed, water will seep through them and into your home. This becomes even more of a problem if you have any leaks that need to be repaired. The moisture then stays in your house for longer which means there’s a higher chance mold is going to form! 

Check outside walls

Check the exterior walls near your roof as well to make sure they’re watertight. You’ll want to do this every few years to see how it’s holding up and check for any signs of damage like holes or cracks. These areas are usually damaged by things such as tree branches falling on the roof or trees growing too close so make sure you keep them trimmed back regularly.