How to Extend the Life of Your GAF Shingle Roof

One of the most important parts of your home is the roof. Getting a well-done, stable, and sturdy roof might cost you a fortune. Hence, it is important to ensure it serves you for the longest time possible. Unfortunately, there are instances where asphalt shingles might not give you as much service as you expect from them. 

A well-done asphalt shingle roof is supposed to serve you for approximately 30 years with good maintenance. Making your roof serve you for the maximum or even exceed the tabulated period is every homeowner’s dream. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the tips you should make this dream a reality.

Trim Trees Near Your Roof

One way of enhancing the durability of your GAF shingle roof is by ensuring it’s free from fallen branches or debris. The fallen branches, if not taken care of, can cause damage to the roof. Though not heavy, moisture formation from the accumulation of small twigs and leaves can be damaging to your roof. For this reason, trimming the trees near your roof prevents excess foliage on the roof. 

Check the Attic Ventilation

Ensuring adequate ventilation goes a long way in extending your asphalt shingle roof’s life. The attic ventilation system is responsible for fresh air in your home as well as your roof. Your roof and home’s lifespan highly depend on how well-ventilated the attic is. Attic ventilation is set out during the initial roof installation process. It’s wise to hire a professional roofing contractor to ensure the correct number of vents are installed. Without adequate attic ventilation, your roof’s lifespan is shortened by the trapped hot and cold air.

During hot summers, attic heat can accelerate roof deterioration by compromising the adhesives in the deck. If this problem is not taken care of on time, it can cause curls or cracks on your shingles. During winter, moisture and heat from your home’s interior condense and become trapped in the cold attic, affecting your roof decking. Condensation can weaken your roof decking, reducing its load-bearing capacity nail-holding ability, and promoting mold/mildew growth. 

Insulate Cathedral Ceilings and Attics ProperlyÂ

Well-insulated cathedral ceilings and attics help prevent ice dams from causing costly leaks, particularly where roofing planes connect. Proper lighting is of great significance, too. The top layer of snow melting on your roof is expected to drip off under normal circumstances. However, if you have poor insulation in the recessed lighting of your cathedral ceiling, the snow can be melted from underneath. 

In case the moisture gets trapped, it can pass through nail holes, destroying the roof’s decking. A good roofing contractor should, therefore, fit in a self-adhesive membrane, preventing the water or ice from reaching given areas of your roof. 

Clean Gutters RegularlyÂ

Cleaning the gutters regularly helps with the roof’s upkeep and ensures they’re not blocked. Blockage in your gutter has many negative impacts on your roof, including water buildup. This can result in serious damage to your asphalt shingles. It’s advisable to have the gutters cleaned after every season change. This is more important after fall as small twigs and leaves can get stuck. 

Schedule Regular Roof InspectionsÂ

You can extend your roof’s lifespan and keep it healthy by detecting minor issues before they escalate. Having a regular roof inspection, whether there are any particular issues or not, helps a lot. Many professional roofing contractors advise their clients to schedule an annual professional inspection, complemented by two self-inspections per year. 

Some roofing companies also offer free roofing inspections if you need a roof replacement or repair. You can also get a free inspection if you’re worried about the impact of severe weather changes on your roof. If you feel your roof’s status might be affecting your home’s energy efficiency, you should consider having it checked. 

Perform Proper Roof MaintenanceÂ

Having proper roof maintenance is very important for you if you’re working towards extending your roof’s lifespan. Practicing regular roof maintenance is more advantageous than having professional annual roof inspections. This is because, although roof inspection spots any issue on the roof, proper maintenance helps prevent such issues.

Neglecting your roof can cost you more than you can imagine. Choosing the right roofing company is crucial for all your roofing needs, be it repair, installation, maintenance, inspection, or replacement. Contact Adamson Roofing Company today for reliable and top-quality services.