We've rounded up four tips to help Colorado homeowners get the most value out of their roofs.
Enhance Your Roof's Lifespan with Advice from our Denver Roofers
It is important to remember that your roof won't last forever. These tips will only help delay your roof replacement project by 1-3 years. But if you stick with our advice, you may be able to postpone your need for professional roofing services.
1. Stick to a Diligent Maintenance Plan
Like any other part of your home, the roof needs to be properly maintained. Throughout the year, your roof will endure plenty of high winds, intense storms, and more. Those weather events can inflict serious damage on your property. It's up to you to show your roof a little TLC from time to time.
We recommend that homeowners check off some roof maintenance tasks in the spring and the fall to keep things in tip-top shape. Here are a few activities to get you started:
- Clear off any debris (e.g., leaves, branches, dirt, etc.)
- Thoroughly clean out your gutters and downspouts
- Remove any signs of moss or mildew growths with cleaning solutions
On other roofing websites, you might see recommendations to power-wash your shingles. Do not listen to that tip.
A power washer delivers a highly concentrated spray of water that can strip the granules from your shingles (Family Handyman). The resulting damage is likely not covered by a warranty and will need to be repaired by a roofing professional.
It's a better idea to instead use other tools like leaf blowers, brooms, or garden hoses to clear off debris.
2. Book Biannual Roof Inspections
If you're an avid DIYer, you can attempt some repairs on your own. That said, we generally recommend that homeowners leave their roof maintenance to the professionals. They're trained to safely handle the work after all, so why not use their professional expertise?
It's also a good idea to schedule biannual roof inspections in the spring and fall. This will help ensure your roof is in good shape heading into the colder months and just before the hail season starts.
Just remember that some roofing contractors charge fees for inspections. It's best to look for roofers who offer FREE inspections instead.
3. Invest in Preventative Measures
It's better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. That saying is especially true for roof care and maintenance.
By proactively investing in preventative measures now, you're giving your roof a good shot of lasting far longer than expected. Here are some helpful ideas for long-term measures that you can take to protect the integrity of your roof:
- Inspect and upgrade your insulation. The insulation in your attic helps regulate the interior temperature of your home and the exterior temperature of your roof. Properly installed insulation can help prevent moisture build-up and reduce ice dams in the winter.
- Maintain proper attic ventilation. Similar to your insulation, your vents play a key role in your roofing system. Those vents keep air flowing throughout your home, which prevents moisture-related problems. Be sure to clean your attic vents every year and consider installing screens to prevent pests and animals from nesting inside.
- Invest in a roof coating system. While it is not applicable on every roof, silicone roof coatings act as an extra barrier for water, air, and debris. This system can be quickly applied by a roofing contractor and will help prevent damage and improve the structural integrity of your roof.
To learn about more preventative measures for your roof, contact local roofing companies to get additional suggestions and ideas.
4. Be Proactive About Roof Repair
Simply put, it's better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to residential roof repairs. If your roof becomes damaged and you don't get it repaired quickly, that damage can spread and worsen.
What can you do? Keep an eye out for damage. After a storm passes through, remember to take a few minutes to review your roofing system, inside and out. Here are a few signs of damage to look for:
- Any sagging areas or leaning structures
- Torn, cracked, or missing shingles
- Rusted, dented, or loose flashing around your chimneys, vents, and pipes
- Visible shingle granule loss (e.g., accumulations of granules in your gutters)
- Interior or exterior water stains
If you see an obvious sign of damage, get it repaired by a professional ASAP.
Book Your FREE Inspection with Our Top-Rated Denver Roofers
Whether you're ready to replace your roof or just want to lengthen its lifespan, Ethos is the best place to call in Denver.
Our skilled roofing specialists have worked on both commercial properties and residential roofs. We are adept at spotting signs of roof damage and can offer personalized recommendations for any roofing project. From flat roofs to tile roofs and more, we'll give you the peace of mind you deserve about your home.
Contact Ethos Roofing & Restoration today to book your FREE property inspection with our Denver roofers.