How To Make Your Residential Roof Last For Decades

The best way to minimize the lifetime costs of your residential roof is to make it last for decades. While the costs of roofing materials vary, even the most affordable, professional roofing installations should last 30 years or more if you follow these recommendations.

Make Your Residential Roof Last And Last

Hire a licensed, experienced roofer 

There is no question that the key to your roof’s longevity is dependent on the quality of the roof’s installation. This includes everything from attic ventilation, the structural integrity of the roof’s support, moisture barriers and underlayments, adequate flashing, and the proper installation of the roof’s final layers. 

Read, How to Choose a Residential Roofing Company, for tips on how to choose a qualified roofer you can depend on for as long as the life of your roof. Always interview at least three prospects before making your final choice. 

Perform roof inspections at least twice per year 

Roof damage often goes unnoticed because the average homeowner never takes a look at the top of the roof. However, sun exposure, cracked tiles, unsealed penetrations, damaged shingles – all lead to leaks, further roof damage, and structural damage inside the home. 

We recommend inspecting the roof before and after storm season, so you can catch smaller roof issues and repairs before they lead to more costly repairs or more-frequent-than necessary roof replacement. This one simple act can save you thousands of dollars. 

Keep the gutters clean 

Gutter cleaning is another routine maintenance task that protects the longevity of your roofing system. If you have a multi-story home, or you are unsure of how to clean your gutters, it’s worth the expense to hire a professional roofing company (who can perform a simultaneous inspection) or a qualified handyman in your area to do the work for you. 

Visit our post, Gutter Cleaning: 5 DIY Steps to Get it Done in No Time, to learn more about how it’s done. 

Know what to look for in terms of interior leaks 

Interior signs of moisture accumulation or leaks are major red flags that your roof needs help. Some of the most common signs that your roof has a leak are: 

• Discoloration on ceilings or the tops of exterior walls 
• Mold or mildew issues 
• Sections of the wall or ceiling that feel soft or spongy 
• Missing, broken, or cracked shingles, tiles, or slate 
• Sagging or bulging areas of the ceiling 

• Sagging or concave sections of the roof 

These are all signs it’s time to call a licensed roofer ASAP to take a look. Failing to report roof damage or signs of leaks in a timely manner compromises your chances of homeowner’s insurance reimbursement. 

Clear the roof of debris to make your residential roof last

Your roof is bound to wind up with accumulated debris blown in on the wind or dropped from trees. These materials contribute to moisture accumulation as well as the decomposition of roofing materials if they’re left there for too long. Remove debris as soon as you see it, or when you’re performing your bi-annual roof inspection. 

Also, make sure to clean roof moss and algae once the rainy season has ended. While these may look pretty and add a bit of charm, they are wreaking havoc on your roof’s surface and permeating the layers below. These are not the same as a green roof, which is a very specifically designed roofing system. 

Visit, How To: Roof Cleaning For Algae & Moss, to clear your roof of these unwanted invaders.  

Choose materials that last longer 

Asphalt shingles are still the most popular roofing choice. High-quality shingles that are professionally installed and maintained can last for up to 30 years. However, other materials such as tile, slate, or metal roofs can last as long as 50 years or more.  

If durability and longevity are important to you, consider first-time and lifetime costs of different roofing materials, and discuss those with your roofer. You may determine that it’s worth to pay a higher price tag for longer–lasting materials to save on roof replacement costs multiple times over.  

Roofs are often an afterthought for homeowners, which can lead to diminished quality, durability, and longevity – not to mention unnecessary repair and replacement costs. By taking the steps necessary to care for your roof on an annual basis, you can enjoy your residential roof for multiple decades.

Let Us Help You With Your Roof

Need support helping your residential roof last for decades? Or, are you ready to find a licensed, Bay Area roofing contractor with decades of experience (and a roster of satisfied customers)? Contact Central Bay Roofing to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate.