A home with a well-maintained roof is a well-protected one. Roof not just protects the infrastructure but safeguards the entire interior space. It is the first defense line of defense against the weather. Exposure to heat, cold, rain and moisture slowly wears it off.
There is a continuous waging between the roof and outside elements. The average age of the roof depends on several factors. The material used, design, and maintenance routine affect the aging of the roof. Keeping up with the maintenance can be tiring at times and it costs a lot.
This post will provide you ten brilliant tips to reduce shingle roof maintenance costs. The average cost range for roof repairs is quite astonishing. Minor repairs cost $150-$400, whereas homeowners pay up to $3000 for major repairs.
Deciding between a repair and replacement can be confusing for most of the homeowners. A simple arithmetic rule is to skip repairs when the cost is more than half of the new roof cost. Let us get started with the tips so that you have to pay a minimum of your hard-earned dollars.
1. De-clutter The Roof
If you want to reduce the maintenance cost, you need to good at house-keeping. Regular cleaning and de-cluttering are essential. Debris gets accumulated on roofs over some time. This includes leaves, twigs, branches, or garbage.
The debris can affect the performance of your roof gutter system. It can also retain moisture in it. The retained water contributes to the deterioration of the roof. Get rid of the debris, especially after the storms. The debris gets collected in in-between areas. You can clean it yourself after every three months.
2. Trim The Surrounding Trees
Your yard might be hurting your roof without your notice. The trees surrounding your roof need to be inspected regularly. The overgrown branches can physically damage the roof shingles. The falling leaves, twigs and small branches contribute to the debris on the roof.
Accumulation of organic matter or leaf debris increases the acidity which can damage the shingles. So trees can shorten the lifespan of your roof. Get the branches cut regularly or trim them on your own.
3. Keep Up With Flashing And Fixtures
Most of the roof repairs involve some damaged fixtures or flashing. We don’t get to see it daily so we don’t realize that there are several fixtures on the roof. Chimneys, skylights, gutters and vent boots improve the functionality of a house. But these fixtures and the flashing can contribute to roof damage if left unattended.
A hole is made in the roof structure to install these fixtures and then the sides are secured with flashing, sealants or caulking. Improper installation or wearing out of these flashing can bring in unwanted moisture. Get these fixtures repaired as soon as possible to reduce the greater maintenance costs.
4. Clear Downspouts
Nearly all of the American households have a gutter system or downspouts to carry away the excess water. The gutters can get clogged or blocked with the leaves and debris. This blockage makes water flow difficult and the roof is exposed to water for longer periods.
Home experts suggest gutter cleaning twice a year. Gutter guards can be used to reduce the chance of blockage. Freely flowing water is essential for the infrastructure as well.
5. Add Insulating Layers
Waiting for the roof damages to appear and worsen is a gamble. You need to be proactive to avoid such scenarios. Adding insulation improves the overall performance of a roofing system. Insulation prevents heat and cold losses.
It is important to prevent moisture from reaching the roof. The best way is to add gap-free insulation on the attic floor. A vapor retarder is installed under the insulation layer. Ensure that air flows freely between the insulation and roof sheathing to prevent moisture build-up.
6. Attic Ventilation Is Crucial
Attic plays a key role in the life span and maintenance cost of your roof. If the attic is not properly ventilated, heat and moisture can directly affect the roof sheathing and rafting.
The roof materials, shingles, buckle and warp. They lose their adhesives and are left loosely laying on the top. Moderate wind can blow them away. You will be finding more missing shingles. The whole of the roofing system gets ineffective with poor ventilation.
7. Keep Records
Industrial buildings have proper records of all the damages and repairs. This is a helpful tip for homeowners. Every small roof repair should be documented. A log should be kept to record any potential problems. It gives you a clear picture of the age of various components.
Such a level of keen inspection and record-keeping allows homeowners to evaluate their expenses and ROIs. Taking pictures can be helpful. It enables you to compare the damages from the past.
8. Treat The Moss
Evading the water woes is emphasized by every roof professional. There is a huge reason behind it. The water is used by moss to take its root in your roof. The moss can uproot the shingles. Moreover, it deteriorates the overall roofing system. If it goes unattended for a long period you might have to pay for roof replacement.
9. Replace Damaged Shingles
Normal wear and tear can damage a few roof shingles. Harsh weather such as hailstorms, snow, rain, and strong winds can damage the shingle roofing. It is good to examine a roof regularly on your own. Search for missing or damaged shingles, and replace them with new ones.
Roofing cost per square foot for asphalt shingles ranges from $350-$500. For cider shingles, the repair cost is $500-$1000 on average. Timely repairs will reduce the cost of maintenance.
10. Regular Professional Inspections
Roof life span depends on installation techniques and maintenance other than the material used. The best practice is to get your roofs regularly inspected by professionals. They have a deeper insight to figure out potential problems as well as their solutions. Seek professional services at least once a year.