Making Your Roof Last
3 tips to maintain your roof and make it last
- Clean your gutters at least twice a year, removing any debris or sludge will keep the water flowing properly and prevent water buildup in the gutters and potential water penetration into the edge of your roof. If you are not able to do this yourself safely a local roofing or gutter service would gladly complete this job with most homes costing between $100-$250 depending on the size, roof pitch, roof height, and accessibility aspects.
- Wall flashings, pipe boot penetrations, chimney flashings are some of the leading causes of roof leaks. Many times by addressing issues related to these items you can substantially increase the lifespan of your roof. Wall flashings are sometimes only surface mounted with a sealant used to seal the top edge, therefore when the sealant ages and fails a leak is likely. Pipe boots will dry rot and crack as they ages as they are a rubber based product. Replacement boots are readily available at most home improvement stores and are simple to change.
Finally watch for cracked or damaged mortar joints on your chimney which can negate your flashings and cause leaks. These are often caused and weakened by the freeze/thaw process which is common in Monaca,PA where we are located. addressing this early will keep maintenance cost down significantly.
3. Watch for moss, algae, and other organic growth on your roof. These are significant for two reasons:
A. There are acids in moss and other organic matter which degrade your shingles and make them weak and brittle.
B. These types of growth are encouraged by a damp environment . They often show up when water is beginning to penetrate the roofs outer layer and lay between the shingles and vapor barrier. It is one of the initial signs of a roof issue. Remember sunlight is the friend of roof longevity cutting back trees and shrubs goes a long way.
Your friends at Tri- State Roofing Solutions
https://www.tristateroofingsolutions.com/