9 Tips to Extend Your Roof's Lifespan

Your roof safeguards everything from the value of your home to the people who live under it.

However, all of that depends on how long your roof lasts. And more often than not, it’s small issues that undermine the potential extra mileage of your roof. 

By keeping on top of those issues, such as repairing cracked tiles or missing shingles, you can prevent them from snowballing into leaks, structural damage, or mold. Because at that point, you’re not just dealing with a costly repair, but a threat to the air quality of your home and your health.

Keep reading to learn nine ways you can become a savvier homeowner and extend your roof’s lifespan.

Need some help with staying on top of your roof maintenance?
Contact The Original Roofing Company for assistance today!

Unfortunately, no warranty – whether for a car, a smartphone, or a roof – will cover everything that can get damaged or fail. Additionally, warranties vary in regards to what is covered under them and what voids them. 

But, generally, they can be broken down into two types: 

The first type is the manufacturer warranty. This covers the roof materials, such as tiles or shingles, but is usually only valid with factory error. The second type is the workmanship warranty. This is more thorough but can be harder to come by. It all depends on the roofing contractor, but it typically protects a homeowner from any errors made during the installation.

Keep in mind that things such as damage from the elements, excess ponding, a broken tree branch, or repairs done by an unlicensed roofing contractor or homeowner are usually not covered. 

No matter the warranty for your roof, it will require you as a homeowner to keep up with regular maintenance. This is why it’s always a good idea to call residential roofing services when problems pop up – big or small.

Nothing, not even the most durable of tiles or the sturdiest of roofs, can last forever.

Provided it’s kept in good condition and has regular upkeep, you can expect an average roof life expectancy between 10 to 30 years. However, it’s equally important to also know what can damage your roof.

• Weather – especially in Nevada, with extremes from scorching sunshine to the occasional snowfall
• Major rainstorms
• High winds
• Tree debris
• Dirt, dust, algae, moss, lichen, and other detritus

In the following list, we cover nine major factors that can determine a roof system’s health.

From basic upkeep to roof inspections to attic ventilation, this list will give you insight into what roofing experts look for and how you can extend your roof’s lifespan.

At least once or twice a year, you’ll want to hose off your roof.

However, that can change depending on where you live, what kinds of trees are around your house, and the weather. For instance, if we get an extra dry and dusty season here in Nevada, your roof may need more frequent cleanings. It may also require a more thorough wash than what you can accomplish with a garden hose.

Important note on pressure washing: please, leave it to the experts! You should NEVER pressure wash your roof. There is advice out there that says pressure washing is fine so long as the stream is indirect, but as a homeowner, you don’t want to run that risk.

Why not pressure wash? First, most roofs in Las Vegas are tiled. Tiles are porous and susceptible to being cracked or broken from a pressure washer. Also, if you use incorrect cleaners or chemicals, that can further compromise the integrity of the tiles along with your overall roof. So, while cleaning your roof off is necessary, in the long run, it may not be enough without the help of an expert.

So long as a homeowner exercises caution and utilizes the correct tools, cleaning gutters is within most folks’ wheelhouse. You’ll want to clean them about once every three months – but check them more often. You don’t want it to take a rainstorm to realize your gutters are overflowing.

If your gutters can’t funnel away that sudden onslaught of water, the rain can get backed up into your roof or even down into your basement. In cases of severe debris build-up in gutters, you will want to call in a residential roofing company.

Repairing tiles is one of the small, but critical steps to extend your roof’s lifespan. It protects your roof’s important underlayment (weatherproofing layer), and by extension, the roof system. It’s also one of the best ways to ensure water doesn’t get in.

Water can wreak havoc, from stains to causing foundation problems, to mold. As soon as you notice a compromised tile, contact a roofing expert and get it repaired.

After a storm, especially one with intense rain or wind, you’ll want to inspect your roof.

Take a walk around your property and scan the roof for any broken tiles, debris build-up, or noticeable pooling. This is also a good time to make sure that your gutters are working properly, too.

If there is debris, you’ll want to remove it as quickly and safely as possible. If you’re unable to do this, contact a roofing company for expert removal.

Once a year, it’s a good idea to get expert eyes on your roof. Not only does a yearly inspection save you money down the line, but it helps you extend your roof’s lifespan.

A roofing expert will inspect it for anything amiss: including bubbling, blistering, slipped tiles, debris buildup, and water damage. They’ll also be able to spot hidden problem areas that could lead to bigger issues or even roof failure.

While a homeowner can keep an eye on their roof, they should contract a roofing service for an inspection. Even the most meticulous of homeowners may break a tile if they step in the wrong place or get injured. As always, we ask that you please exercise caution and discretion when going up on your roof.

Having roof problems addressed immediately is what saves you money and extends the life of your roof.

Don’t let those small issues snowball! Any time you have water where it shouldn’t be or a suspected leak, call in an expert! A tended-to roof protects the roof system, the foundation of your home, and the health of the inhabitants.

It may come as a surprise, but trimming trees is part of regular roof maintenance. However, how often you do so is dependent on the trees around your home.

That is to say, you’ll need to do this as often as it’s necessary. Though trees provide shade and beauty, you don’t want tree branches hanging over your roof and will need to trim them back.

Also, branches, leaf debris, and palm tree fronds can cause serious damage. Pine needles, too, are especially notorious for clogging a roof’s drainage system.

It’s never a bad idea to call in experts to handle this. You don’t want to inadvertently trim a tree branch and have it land on your roof!

Circulation of hot air out of your attic – and cool air in – is critical to the health of your roof. If there’s an obstruction and air gets trapped, this can lead to a damp attic. That leads to water build-up, and you guessed it, mold.

So, at least once a year, check to make sure the roof vents and soffits are in good shape. (Soffits are the intake vents on the underside of the roof.) This means no obstructions, pests, or other issues.

While this can be done by a homeowner, if you notice any issues or need to access the roof to check on a vent, you should consider calling in a roofing expert.

To extend your roof’s lifespan by 50% or more, join the Roof Guard® Maintenance Program.

Designed with homeowners in mind, this program not only checks off all nine tips, but provides annual or biannual preventative maintenance. Roof problems get caught early, so they don’t snowball into costly repairs. You’ll also get priority appointments, emergency service repairs, and peace of mind.

A roof inspected and repaired by our experts is an investment in the lifespan of your roof and your home.