Below are several maintenance steps you can take to extend the life of your roof and save you a lot of money in the long run.

1. Make sure you have correct ventilation and adequate insulation.

This is one of the most vital parts that will help prolong the life of your roof. Without proper ventilation, a buildup of heat and moisture in your attic can lead to roof rot and diminished insulation efficiency. In winter months, a poorly ventilated attic is a key contributor to the formation of damaging ice dams. In short, properly insulated and ventilated attic space allows your roof to perform well for a longer period of time.

Attics should be insulated to help keep the cold from penetrating into the interior roof
Ensure adequate venting for each section of your attic
If insulation is looking flat or worn out, remove it all then install new insulation material in its place. Do not add just on top of it.
You should avoid attic fan systems with blocked or damaged soffit vents. Soffit and ridge venting is a much better and durable solution
Be aware of all soffit vents around the perimeter of the house and take steps to ensure these vents remain unblocked by debris, insulation or by birds
Put a thermometer in the attic so you can actively monitor temperature over a period of time

2. Keep gutters and down pipes clear

Leaves, twigs and other debris can clog your gutter system, causing expensive water leaks in your attic and interior living spaces. If they are clogged, gutters and down pipes can’t channel water away from your roof. While you’re cleaning out the debris in the gutters, inspect your gutters for signs of damage:

Evaluate the gutter angle, making sloping adjustments as necessary. Properly installed rain gutters are slightly sloped toward the downspout, allowing water to drain efficiently. Improperly sloped gutters will result in pooling, which over time will rot or corrode your gutters.
Inspect for gutters pulled away from the home. If water pools in your gutters for any reason, the weight of the water may, over time, loosen the fasteners and allow the gutter to pull away from your structure.
Check for leaks and holes using a garden hose.
Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear.

3. Inspect your roofing

It’s a good idea to perform a routine inspection on a regular basis. Look for signs of damage on the roof, tiles and lead flashing, as well as in the attic and interior of your home. Small leaks or minor damage can often be repaired for little cost. Ignoring them, and allowing them to become major problems, can be a very expensive mistake.

Check lead flashing’s for holes, corrosion, cracks, or other signs of damage or deterioration. These metal strips installed where the main body of the roof meets up with the home’s siding, chimneys or skylights create connections that are especially prone to roof leaks
Check for broken, cracked, curled, or missing tiles, and any signs of a loose roof tile. Loose or damaged tiles are very common issues. Over time, high winds, hail, tree branches and other debris can cause light damage to any type of roof. Sometimes just a little roofing cement may be all that’s needed to repair a loose tile or ridge tile. If the tile is damaged though you really should replace it
Check for cracks, and tears around the edges of the roof to make sure no penetration is going on
Inspect damaged chimney bricks and buckled or torn flashing, cracked or worn caps and joints. Check caulking/sealants around the roof for cracking or other damage. Old, worn sealants should be replaced before water seepage causes problems

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A family owned & operated roofing contractor, Dublin Roof Care has been serving Co. Dublin for nearly 20 years! Whether you need help with inspection, maintenance or repairs, we’re ready to assist you!