What can I do to make my roof last longer?

This is the very best question to ask yourself as a homeowner when it comes to your roof. Most of us know how expensive new roofs can be.

1. Cut back your trees and other vegetation (vines) from your home. Tree leaves and debris tend to clog up your gutters and can cause water to soak into the roof.

Trees / vegetation that overhangs the roof or are in contact with your roof will prematurely wear out the roofing materials.

2. Don’t let the satellite TV dish person install the dish through your roof. They know how to get the best signal, not how to keep the water out of your home or attic.

Those bolts through your roof now need roof sealant on them and will require to be checked on periodically. The TV dish installer might have found the right signal but, they cost more of your time now with more frequent roof maintenance & attic checks for leaks.

Plus, when cable wires run across your roof, they can trap leaves and other debris that will trap moisture on your roof. The cable can also rub back and forth during higher winds which grind away at the shingle mineral granules which wears out your roof shingles faster.

3. Take a lap around your home often. Make sure the shingles aren’t blown off / missing, debris isn’t clogging up the roof valleys, gutters are clear, etc.

PRO TIP: Wait for a heavy rain and climb into your attic if you suspect a possible roof leaks. This is the best time to find any active leaks and to locate where they are at.

4. DO NOT PRESSURE WASH YOUR ROOF. This is a surefire way to wear out your roof really fast by washing away all of the mineral granules that are designed to protect your roof.

That 25-30 year life expectancy of your roof may now be reduced to 5 years after a powerful pressure wash.

Live in the Hampton Roads area and need a home inspection? Call Virginia State Home Inspections today at 757-503-3677 to book Jacob Knapp as your trusted certified / licensed home inspector.

Virginia State Home Inspections is veteran owned and operated. Military / Veteran discounts are available.