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Simple Ways To Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan

Overview

A well-maintained roof can last decades, but a neglected one may require premature replacement. From experience, Black Anchor Roofing knows that to get the most out of your roof, you need to have it inspected at least twice a year, sometimes more, and repaired promptly when issues arise.

Your roof may be exposed to loads of physical stress throughout its life, but you can completely avoid or minimize damage with a few key strategies. This blog explores them.

Highlights

• How a lack of maintenance ages roofs
• Preventative roof maintenance
• Care needs for different roof materials
• When to consider roof replacement

Introduction

When was the last time you had your roof inspected or repaired? You might not think a few raised shingles or a small leak deserves much attention, but you could be jeopardizing your roof’s future.

Over time, neglecting even small repairs can cause significant damage. Repairs will be more extensive, and, in some cases, you might need a replacement. Timely maintenance is key. The earlier you catch problems, the easier and more affordable they are to address.

How a Lack of Maintenance Ages Your Roof System

A roof may look older than it is if it hasn’t been properly maintained. While lifespan isn’t set in stone, and many roofs last longer than might be expected, a typical asphalt roof can last 20-30 years, a metal roof can last 40-70 years, and EPDM roofs usually last around 25-30 years.

Without regular maintenance, however, these lifespans can be drastically shortened. Minor issues like missing shingles, clogged gutters, or small leaks can go unnoticed and eventually lead to major damage, making the roof wear out much earlier than it should.

Not all signs of aging are reversible, depending on the stage. For example, while replacing individual shingles is often a simple way to restore appearance and function, severe damage to the decking is a more extensive project. The longer issues linger, the more likely they are to accelerate the aging process.

What Does Preventative Roof Maintenance Involve?

The goal of preventative maintenance is simply to identify and address small issues before they progress. It’s choosing a proactive approach to ensure your roof remains in good condition for as long as possible, extending its lifespan and minimizing the risk of repairs that catch you off guard.

Consider a small leak around a flashing. Left unchecked, it can lead to water damage, mold growth, and weakened roofing materials. Preventative maintenance would catch and seal the leak with roofing cement or flashing tape before it can spread, preserving the underlying decking and insulation.

Here are a few key aspects of preventative maintenance:

• Regular inspections: Conduct routine inspections to identify early signs of damage, wear, or weak spots, allowing for timely repairs before problems worsen.
• Shingle replacement: Replace damaged or missing shingles to maintain the roof’s protective barrier and prevent leaks or water infiltration.
• Ventilation maintenance: Check and maintain proper roof ventilation to prevent heat and moisture buildup, which can lead to mold, rot, or premature aging of the roof.
• Flashing sealing: Reseal the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations to prevent water leaks and damage to underlying materials.

How To Create a Roof Maintenance Plan

A roof maintenance plan is a structured approach to regularly inspecting, maintaining, and repairing your roof. Rather than reacting to damage or issues as they happen, these plans are preventative in nature. If problems do arise, you can address them before they escalate.

To create a plan, you’ll need your roof assessed. Everything from the condition of shingles to the integrity of flashing and ventilation needs to be checked. The roof’s age, previous repairs, and potential weak points should also be evaluated to ensure all areas are covered in the schedule.

For example, if you have an older asphalt shingle roof that’s had issues with granule loss and minor leaks around the flashing, a maintenance plan would include regular inspections of the shingles. It might also involve replacing a few shingles at each inspection and resealing the flashing.

Types of Roof Inspections

Roof inspections are often grouped into a single category, but there are actually different types, each serving a specific purpose. While they all aim to assess the roof’s condition, the focus and scope can vary depending on the needs of your property or the issues at hand. All of them can help improve longevity.

Here are the different types:

• Routine inspections: Regularly schedule inspections to assess the roof’s overall condition, identify any early signs of wear or damage, and ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Pre-purchase inspections: Conducted before purchasing a property, these inspections evaluate the roof’s condition to ensure there are no hidden issues.
• Post-storm inspections: Done after severe weather events like storms or hail, these inspections assess the roof for damage caused by high winds, debris, or other weather-related issues.
• Post-construction inspections: Performed after a new roof installation or major repairs, these inspections ensure that the work was completed to code and that all components were properly installed.

Do Different Roof Materials Have Unique Maintenance Needs?

Different roof materials do have unique maintenance needs due to their varying properties and how they behave in different conditions. Each material has certain strengths and weaknesses, meaning the approach to maintenance must be tailored to ensure longevity and prevent damage.

For example, asphalt shingles require regular inspections for granule loss and cracking, while metal roofs need attention to areas where seams and fasteners could loosen. EPDM (rubber) roofs, on the other hand, require checks for UV degradation and proper sealing around edges.

For care plans, you’ll need to factor in each material’s vulnerabilities. Your contractor might adjust the frequency of inspections or recommend specific treatments to address the unique wear patterns and risk factors associated with the material’s characteristics, ensuring more targeted maintenance.

Do Cracked Shingles Affect Roof Lifespan?

Cracked shingles are often caused by weather-related stress, like high winds, hail, or extreme temperature fluctuations. As shingles age, they can also become brittle, making them more susceptible to cracking. Poor installation or even the weight of debris on the roof can contribute to this damage.

Cracked shingles can lower lifespan, as any moisture that escapes the seal can cause leaks and water damage. This moisture can then deteriorate the underlying structure. It usually isn’t an emergency, but cracks should always be dealt with promptly to prevent further damage.

You can either replace cracked shingles or apply a sealant. It depends on the severity of the crack and the overall condition of the roof. If the damage is minimal and isolated, sealant might be enough.

What Repairs Do Metal Roofs Often Need?

Metal roofs are known for their durability. They resist high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures better than many other roofing materials, making the higher upfront cost justifiable for many homeowners.

However, metal roofs can still require some repairs, especially at the seams and fasteners. The fasteners can sometimes loosen, causing leaks at the seams where the panels meet. This happens as the metal expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, putting stress on the connections.

Other potential repairs include:

• Replacing individual panels
• Sealing or replacing damaged flashing
• Addressing leaks around roof penetrations
• Replacing damaged or worn-out sealant strips
• Reinforcing areas where the roof has shifted or settled

Are EPDM Roofs More Prone to Leaks?

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofs are often chosen for flat or low-slope roofs due to their durability and resistance to UV damage and weathering. While EPDM is a highly reliable material, it’s not immune to leaks, especially around seams, penetrations, or when the membrane ages.

When leaks occur in EPDM roofs, they’re typically addressed by resealing or replacing the affected sections. Contractors will inspect the seams for cracks or separation and apply a high-quality adhesive or sealant to restore the waterproof barrier. Any punctures or tears in the membrane are then patched.

At What Age Should You Start Considering a Roof Replacement?

There can come a point when maintenance and repair efforts reach their limit. A roof that’s far past its prime may require frequent repairs, and even with proper maintenance, the materials may have deteriorated to the point where they can no longer effectively protect the property.

It’s not necessarily an age-based decision but more about overall condition. Factors like the number of repairs needed, the extent of damage, and how well the roof continues to perform will determine if a replacement is necessary. If you have major wear, consider replacement, regardless of age.

Here are a few factors professionals evaluate to determine the need for a replacement:

• Extent of damage to shingles or panels
• Frequency and cost of required repairs
• Age of the roof and material type
• Presence of leaks or water damage
• Condition of flashing and seals
• Structural integrity of the roof deck

Want Your Roof To Last Longer? Call Our Roofing Company Today

Don’t risk your property’s safety by neglecting your roof. With Black Anchor Roofing’s expert roof maintenance and repair services, we can help extend its lifespan and prevent the need for a replacement.

Call our roofing company today at (410) 205-9562 to create a maintenance plan tailored to your roof’s unique needs.