As any homeowner in Alabama knows, we get our fair share of severe weather throughout the year. That’s why proper roof maintenance is so crucial – to ensure your roof can protect your home and last as long as possible before needing major repairs or replacement.
At Hinkle Roofing, we’ve been providing top-notch roofing services to homeowners across Alabama for generations – more than 115 years! In that time, we’ve seen firsthand just how much of a difference routine maintenance and small fixes can make in prolonging a roof’s lifespan. Here are our top 5 tips for extending the life of your roof through proper care and upkeep:
- Schedule Regular Inspections: The first step in maintaining your roof is to have it professionally inspected at least once a year. Twice a year is even better – once after the stormy spring season and again before winter. An experienced roofing contractor will closely examine every part of your roof, from the shingles down to the flashing and underlayment, looking for any signs of damage, deterioration, or potential problem areas.
Catching small issues early, before they have a chance to escalate, is key. What may seem like a minor crack or lifting shingle now can quickly turn into a major leak or missing shingles later on if left unaddressed. Having the pros inspect your roof and fix any trouble spots is the best way to stay ahead of the game.
- Keep It Clear of Debris: Accumulated leaves, branches, pine needles and other debris can wreak havoc on your roof over time. This detritus holds moisture against the shingles, leading to rot, mold growth, and premature aging. It also puts extra weight and stress on your roof that it wasn’t designed for.
Take the time to have your roof cleared at least a couple times a year, such as in late fall after most leaves have dropped and again in early spring before new growth. Trim back any overhanging tree limbs to reduce debris buildup as well. A clear roof lasts longer.
- Check for Proper Ventilation: Attic ventilation plays a critical role in regulating temperature and airflow on your roof decking and shingles. If the ventilation is poor, it can cause a buildup of heat and moisture, both of which accelerate shingle deterioration.
Have your attic inspected to ensure all vents are properly sized and free of blockages. The contractor can also check for sufficient insulation, which aids inventilation. Making any needed ventilation upgrades now will extend your roof’s lifespan down the road.
- Consider Zinc Strip Installation: Over time, algae and fungal growth can take over your roof, causing dark streaks, deterioration of sealants, and damage to shingles. While not a threat to your roof’s structure, it’s certainly an eyesore and indicates bigger problems to come.
Installing zinc or lead control strips along the roof’s ridge is a fantastic preventative solution that disrupts algae growth for 20-30 years. Zinc ions are carried down the roof every time it rains, safely inhibiting any new fungal growth. It’s an investment that more than pays for itself by drastically increasing your roof’s longevity.
- Have Any Issues Repaired Promptly: When the yearly inspection or your own observations turn up any concerning areas, don’t wait to have them fixed. Cracked or missing shingles, damaged flashing, rotting spots – all need to be repaired as quickly as possible by an experienced roofer. Allowing problems like these go only allows more damage to occur that will end up costing you far more in the long run when full roof replacement becomes necessary years sooner than it should have been.
Maintaining your roof may take a little effort, but it’s well worth it compared to the costs, hassle and disruption of having to prematurely replace your entire roof system. At Hinkle Roofing, we’re here to partner with you for all your roofing needs, from routine inspections and maintenance to full replacement when the time finally comes. Contact us today at (205) 324-8545 or through our online form to schedule your next roof check-up – it’s an investment that will keep your home safe and your roof going strong for many years ahead.
