With a little determination and elbow grease, you can save yourself some extra cash in the short-term and keep your property protected a little longer. We know that you’ll thank us later for these insightful maintenance guidelines.

Lifespan Expectancies Of Various Roofs

Before we discuss how you can lengthen the life of your roof, let’s set some clear expectations up front. No amount of roof maintenance will make your roof last forever. At a certain point, you’ll need to throw in the towel and get your roof repaired or replaced by professionals.

The longevity of your roof is almost entirely dependent upon your roofing materials. Some choices will last far longer than others, but their longevity may come with a heftier cost and more maintenance. For example:

• Asphalt shingles - You can expect these shingles to last for roughly 15 or 20 years. These shingles trade off a short lifespan for a low cost and minimal maintenance needs.
• Metal roofs - Both shingle and panel metal roofs can last between 20 to 40 years (and some may last even longer). These are sound and durable options that tend to be a little more expensive.
• Wood roofing - These materials require a lot of maintenance to last for any decent length of time. Moisture and ventilation are key factors in this material’s lifespan. You shouldn’t expect a wood roof to last more than 20 or 30 years.
• Tile and slate roofing - Even without any major upkeep, tile roofs can last upwards of 50 years or more! While they come at a high cost, tile and slate roofs are highly durable options, and, when they are expertly installed, they may last even up to a century.

Expand The Longevity Of Your Roofing In Loveland, CO

As you read through our list of guidelines, remember to keep your roofing materials in mind. Not every kind of roof will require much maintenance while many others may need more consistent care.

Address Potential Dangers

Right now, we’d wager there are a few threats that are endangering the integrity of your roof. Clogged or dysfunctional gutter systems, for instance, pose significant danger to the roofing on your property. Storm water may build up your gutters, which can then leak and spill over onto key parts of your roof, such as the soffit. This may inflict water damage on your roof and expedite its fall into disrepair.

If you want to extend the lifespan of your roofing in Loveland, CO, remember to clean out your gutters a few times a year to prevent water buildup. You should also consider cutting any overhanging branches from nearby trees that could break and fall onto your roof. When you remove these potential threats, your roof will last much longer.

Ensure Adequate Ventilation

Every roof needs to have proper ventilation in the attic space. That ventilation helps not only regulate the temperature inside of your home, but it also contributes to reducing moisture build-up underneath the shingles. If too much moisture seeps into the plywood decking underneath your roof shingle, then those shingles can begin to rot and fall apart.

How do you create that kind of ventilation? You’ll need an efficient system of vents and exhaust fans in your attic for proper air flow. This isn’t always something every homeowner can do on their own. You may have the correct number of vents, but they could be poorly placed or installed on your property. To check if your system is right for your roof, you’ll need to call in Loveland roofing contractors for a brief inspection. They’re the roofing experts, so they’ll know how to best improve your ventilation.

Clean Off Your Shingles

Over time, the top layer of your roof will accumulate leaves, dirt, and other debris that all will retain some amount of moisture. Your roof may even begin to develop algae growths if enough time passes. You should get into the habit of routinely cleaning your shingles throughout the year (a wood roof will require shorter cleaning intervals). Just remember to:

• Never use a power washer on your shingles. The high pressure water can loosen them and seriously damage your roof.
• Instead, consider using a sprayer attached to a garden hose! Fill it with equal parts liquid chlorine bleach and water, a great mixture for asphalt shingles.
• Be mindful of your landscape and surrounding areas. Water your plants thoroughly beforehand and cover them with a tarp to avoid any damage from your cleaning solution.
• Clean your roof on a cloudy and calm day so that your solution won’t evaporate too quickly and there’s no threat of precipitation.
• Take proper safety precautions by wearing slip-resistant rubber sole shoes, and don’t forget to wear skin and eye protection.
• Be patient. Algae growths and moss may not wash away immediately. Your cleaning may loosen them up enough to be blown away during the next storm.

It would also be a wise choice to consult with the manufacturers of your roofing materials. They may have cleaning guidelines and recommendations that were specifically developed to avoid inadvertent cleaning damage.

Apply Sealant To Problem Areas

Once you’ve passed the expected lifespan of your roof, it’s best to seek professional roof repairs ASAP. However, we understand that many homeowners will want to put off repairs for as long as possible. If that sounds like you, then pick up some sealant from your local Lowe’s or Home Depot and use it to address problem areas.

Have you spotted some cracks in your shingles? Are your gutters beginning to leak onto your soffit boards? A little bit of sealant can be a great temporary fix for those minor issues. Just remember these quick fixes will only prolong the inevitable for a month or so. You shouldn’t gamble with the health of your property, so try to get your roof repaired or replaced shortly after any sealant repairs.

Restore Your Roofing In Loveland, CO

When you can’t put off your roof repairs any longer, we’ve got you covered at Ethos. Our experienced roofers have been repairing and replacing roofs in the Loveland area for decades. We leverage industry-leading GAF roofing materials to maximize the longevity of your roof. And we back up all of our roofing projects with exclusive warranties to keep your property protected for years to come.

Contact Ethos Roofing and Restoration today to learn how we can improve your roofing in Loveland, CO.