Extend The Life Of Your Asphalt Roof With These Simple Tips

Carlos Bowman

The number of years your asphalt-shingle roof will last really depends on how well your roof and its components are maintained. With proper care and maintenance, however, you can generally expect a roof to last at least a couple of decades. Because the cost of installing a new roof can be sky-high, homeowners should do everything they can to prolong the life of their home's roofing--and doing so is easier than many people realize!

Remove Ice Dams

Because of the harsh winters, ice dams are a common problem among roofs in Canada. Specifically, ice dams refer to extensive buildup of ice on a roof. Once the ice from these damns begins to melt, there's a greater chance that water could leak into the house. While ice dams can be quite difficult to prevent altogether, homeowners can make the effort to remove them as they form.

This can be done by using a roof rake to remove snow and ice from asphalt shingles after a heavy snowfall; ensure your own safety by working from the ground with a telescoping pole rather than using a ladder, though.

Get Rid of Moss

Another great way to prolong the life of your asphalt-shingle roof is to avoid large amounts of moss buildup. If left to grow, moss can become a major problem for a roof because it tends to trap moisture. Fortunately getting rid of moss is typically as easy as using a broom to sweep it off.

However, if you've got a large amount of moss that you can't easily remove with a broom, you may need to use a potassium-based product to kill the moss before you can remove it--or contact a roofing contractor to complete the job.

Clean Your Gutters

Finally, prolonging the life of your roof isn't just about caring for the shingles. Your roof's gutters also play a vital part in protecting your roof from leaks and other damage. However, your gutters can't serve their purpose if they're clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris.

Make it a point to clean your gutters out at least a couple times a year; this is something you can do yourself to save money, but you can also hire a professional roofing company to do it for you for a reasonable price. With clean gutters, you'll be able to extend the life of your roof and save yourself money down the road.

To learn more, contact a company like Jorgensen Roofing with any questions you have.


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