Roof Maintenance Guide
Your home’s roof is designed to provide reliable protection against the elements for decades, but it will eventually need to be replaced because of normal wear and tear or damage from severe weather. However, there are steps you can take to help prolong the life of your asphalt shingle roof so you can at least postpone that expensive roof replacement project.
To get the most out of your New England home’s roof and help prevent the type of damage that can spell the end of its lifespan, keep these tips in mind:
Keep an Eye on Your Shingles
Out of sight, out of mind is the wrong mantra when it comes to your home’s roof. It’s important to keep an eye on the appearance of your roof shingles, especially after storms with hail or strong winds have passed through. Through a simple visual inspection, you should be able to see:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Shingles that are curling
- Shingles that have lost their granules
- Peeling flashing
These are all signs that it’s time to schedule a roof inspection. The issues could be minor and easy to repair, or they could be hiding more extensive damage.
Have Consistent Inspections
Keeping an eye on your roof can only do so much. If you partner with a roofing company that provides yearly inspections, they will be able to spot warning signs that you might miss. The inspection report that you receive will also give you a good idea about how long your roof has left in its lifespan so you can start planning for the day when it needs to be replaced.
Check for Signs of Water Intrusion in Your Attic
The most common signs of roof issues are water stains in your attic or on your ceiling. Even minor leaks can cause premature roof deterioration, so they need to be addressed as soon as possible. You should also pay attention to any musty odors you notice in your home and any bulges you see in ceilings or walls.
Keep Your Gutters Free of Debris
Your gutter system channels rainwater off your roof and safely away from your home. However, when it’s clogged with debris, overflowing water can damage your soffit and fascia and enter your attic. It’s important that you either clean your gutters out regularly or have gutter covers installed. Also, make sure that your roof isn’t damaged during the installation of gutter components.
Trim Branches Hanging Over Your Home
Tree branches that hang over your roof aren’t much of an issue until a severe storm passes through and snaps them off. Falling branches can cause severe roof damage, and leaves that pile up on your roof can promote premature rotting.
Maintain Your Chimney
If there’s an old chimney on your home, you should make sure that cracks or loose bricks are dealt with so your roof isn’t damaged by falling bricks.
Does Your Roof Need to Be Replaced?
Even though you’ve done everything possible to ensure that your roof receives proper maintenance, it will eventually reach the end of its lifespan. Asphalt shingles and other roofing materials can only continue providing reliable protection for so long, and they eventually need to be swapped out. If the roof on your home needs to be replaced and you want to feel confident that you’re receiving a new roof that’s engineered to last in the New England climate, look to NEWPRO. We’re a family-owned company that has been providing outstanding home improvement services since 1945, and we offer a roofing system that can stand up to anything Mother Nature throws at it. Our reputation among local homeowners is unmatched, as our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau demonstrates.
Our Roofing Services
We’re proud to install the NEWPRO Max-Protect Roofing System, which features heavy-duty asphalt shingles that are thicker and have higher wind ratings than the shingles commonly offered by our local competitors. Our shingles are also ENERGY STAR® rated, which means they will help improve your home’s thermal performance.
Our roofing system also features:
- A durable roof deck
- Special layers of underlayment designed to prevent moisture penetration
- Durable flashing and ridge caps to help protect vulnerable areas
- Various roof vents that allow for proper attic air circulation to improve home energy efficiency
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re concerned that your roof’s performance is waning, contact NEWPRO today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We’ll be happy to inspect your roof and answer any questions you have about our products and services.
