Roof replacement is surely one of the most vexing repairs a homeowner can face in any given year regardless of the cost. Properly installed, an asphalt roof can last for up to 30 years. Metal roofs last even longer. Nevertheless, Houston locals who care about their property should take the following steps to make their roofs last as long as possible.
Schedule a Regular Inspection
Knowing what you’re up against early on when it comes to roof maintenance is the best way to avoid massive repair bills. An annual roof inspection will let you know what needs to be fixed. Spending a few bucks on a professional roof inspection is a good investment. Alternatively, you can get up there yourself and look for issues once a year.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts Often
Clogged gutters are one of the biggest reasons why homeowners need professional roof repair in a pinch. When gutters and downspouts back up, they allow moisture to do a number on roofing materials and siding. If your gutters are open, you may want to consider covering them to prevent leaves from creating blockages. Ultimately, breaking out a ladder and clearing gutters manually is a wise move.
Keep an Eye on Algae and Moss Growth
In the humid swamp that is Houston during the summer, preventing the proliferation of green stuff is a cornerstone of proper roof maintenance. Whether your roof is clad in shingles or tile, algae and moss will always be a threat. Spraying down the roof surface with a diluted bleach solution once a year can keep that green growth under control.
Ensure Proper Ventilation and Insulation
You can put off the need for shingle roof repair for many years by guaranteeing that there’s a good amount of airflow in the attic. Keeping the soffit vents next to the rafter tails clear of debris is a great start. Furthermore, installing the proper insulation in the attic is a great way to keep moisture from wrecking the underside of your roof decking.
Address Rust Before It Proliferates
Rust can ruin a roof as surely as it can demolish the frame of an F-150 if given enough time. Metal roofs are obviously more prone to failure due to rust issues. However, a good shingle roof can fail if rust on the edge flashing allows water to rot trim. If you see rust, address the problem quickly with the appropriate treatments.
Cut Back Potentially Hazardous Trees
Even if a Spanish Oak doesn’t fall directly on your roof, tree limbs can do a number on your roof given enough time. Accumulations of pollen, needles and deciduous leaves can screw up your shingles or tiles over the course of many years. Furthermore, tree limbs touching the roof can pry up asphalt shingles during rain storms and lead to leaks.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fumigate
In and around Houston, there’s no shortage of bugs that can wreak major havoc on your roof in a variety of ways. While termites don’t particularly enjoy the taste of bitumen or steel, they do like the plywood that sits underneath those roofing materials. Having a qualified exterminator spray the attic and the eaves once in awhile isn’t a bad idea.
Touch Up Roof-Adjacent Paint
If you’re like the typical Houston resident, the undersides of your roof feature plenty of trim that’s easily degraded by the local climate. Touching up the paint on corner boards and fascia will keep the termites, wasps and carpenter ants away for the most part. What’s more, doing so will boost your curb appeal and keep the neighbors happy.
Fix Minor Problems as Soon as Possible
At the end of the day, the best way to keep your roof in good shape is to be proactive when little issues crop up. Don’t hold off on repairs when you notice them even if they seem trivial. Little problems tend to become big problems faster than you’d think. Avoiding cheap fixes in the short run costs you a lot more in the long run.
Making Your Roof a Paramount Concern
If you require commercial or residential roofing installation in the Greater Houston area, Paramount Roofing can always get the job done right in a hurry. Our seasoned crew of roofing experts can be counted on to make roofing issues disappear. If your Houston property needs roofing installation or repair right now, we’re the team to call.