Your roof is a big investment and one of the most critical elements of your home. As such, it’s good to take precautions where you can to extend the life of this valuable asset. Most residential roofs will last between 15 and 50 years, depending on the materials used. Because your roof has such a big job protecting your family from the elements – and because of the cost of a new roof – it’s a good idea to do what you can to keep your roof in tip-top condition.
Here are three tips for making the roofing on your KS home last as long as possible. A reputable local roofing contractor in Kansas City can help with this process and can also add valuable input on other ways to extend the life of your roof.
#1. Keep the Roof and Gutters Clean
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of the roofing on your KS home is to keep it clean. This isn’t as difficult as it may sound, and usually you don’t even have to get on the roof to do it. The debris that lands on the roof over time will eventually find its way to the gutters, which are easily accessed with a ladder. Keep the gutters cleaned out on a regular basis so that water continues to slough off the roof, travel through the downspouts, and flow away from the foundation properly. Clogged gutters cause water to back up, which then forces moisture back under the shingles. This can lead to other, more serious issues, including mold and water damage.
If you have large branches that come down in a storm, it’s a good idea to call a local roofing contractor in Kansas City to help clear the roof and check it for storm-related damage. They’ll also be able to help with roof leak repair on your Kansas City home, if necessary.
#2. Trim the Trees
If your yard has mature trees with branches that hang over the house, make sure you keep the overhanging branches trimmed back from the roof as much as possible. This helps prevent falling limbs and branches from landing on the roof and damaging the shingles or flashing. Trimming the trees also helps keep leaves, acorns, twigs, and other tree-related matter out of the gutters.
#3. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Another simple way to maintain your roof and extend its life is to schedule regular roof inspections. Having your roof inspected by a local roofing contractor in Kansas City once a year is usually sufficient to stay on top of any problems that are developing. While some homeowners may be hesitant to do this because of the cost, there’s no better way to ensure that your roof is in good shape than with a thorough inspection by a professional roofer. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” You’ll end up saving money in the long run by catching problems and correcting them early – before they become bigger, more expensive problems.
Shamrock Roofing Will Help You Extend the Life of Your Roof
Shamrock Roofing and Construction is a local roofing contractor focused on the Kansas City market. We specialize in all aspects of roof care, from roof inspections to new roof installs to roof leak repair on Kansas City homes. We have over 40 years of experience in this region, so we’re familiar with the ways in which Midwest weather and climate can impact roofs. We offer free residential roofing inspections, and we’ll help you put together the best plan to extend the life of your roof. Give us a call at 913-850-6556 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.