Your home’s roof is the most arguably the most important piece of your home’s exterior, serving as it’s primary line of defense against the elements. Since it is constantly exposed to inclement weather, your home takes a beating over time, and eventually, the integrity of the system will be worn away, necessitating a replacement. However, your roof is also an expensive piece of engineering that many homeowners want to avoid replacing for as long as possible. If you’re one of those homeowners who is looking for a way to improve the lifespan of your roof, you’ve come to the right place! Take a look below to learn a few tips & tricks for improving the lifespan of your roof!
Have a Water Barrier Installed Below Your Shingles
One of the most things you can do to improve the lifespan of your roof is ensure that you have a water barrier installed below your shingles themselves. Your roof deck is what your shingles are laid down on, and generally, it’s simply built out of plywood. This means that it is susceptible to rot, which is where a water & ice barrier comes in. If any moisture is able to seep into your shingle system, a water & ice barrier will help ensure that the moisture isn’t able to rot out your roof deck, keeping the system protected from water damage!
Trim Back Foilage
Another important tip for protecting your home’s roof is ensuring that you cut back any branches that may be scratching away at your shingle system. Branches from nearby trees have the potential to damage your roof by either breaking and falling onto the shingles, or by scratching the granules off of your shingles themselves, which will shorten their lifespan.
Clean Up Mold & Mildew
While you can get away with leaving it alone, if you’re trying to maximize the lifespan of your roof, it is best practice to address any mold or mildew growth on the shingle system. One of the easiest ways to limit mold growth is to install zinc strips on your roof, but you can always retroactively deal with the issue with a bit of cleaning solution & a hose. Just don’t let mildew sit on your roof for too long, as it can cause moisture damage or wear away at your granules!
Contact Us Today
Interested in replacing your Pittsburgh, PA area home’s roof this fall? Our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof installation needs!
