Your roof is an investment. It is an investment in your well-being and comfort. It protects you, your family, and your home from the elements and worse.
So as an investment, you want to “maximize your returns.” You want to get the most out of your roof by utilizing its full lifespan. You don’t have to be an expert roofing contractor in Virginia Beach to increase the life of your roof. In fact, there’s a lot you can do without even the help of a Virginia Beach roofing company.
Setting Expectations: What is my roof’s lifespan?
We need to be realistic. There’s no magic trick to make a basic three-tab shingle roof last 50 years. But we can extend their lifespans within reason. So ideally, we can space out how often you’ll need a roof replacement. Roof replacements are far more expensive than common roof repairs in Virginia Beach. So the less often you have to replace your roof, the better for your bank account.
Basic Three-Tab Shingles are the most common roofing material. They typically last around 20 years. So any roof lasting more than 20 years is a good return on investment.
Architectural Shingles are a step above basic three-tabs. These tend to be more protective and can last around 30 years.
Metal Roofs can last even longer, from 40 to 70 years. The wide range is from the wide range of maintenance they receive. If you take care of your metal roof, it’ll take care of you for a long time.
Tile Roofs can be made from clay, concrete, and slate. They can last anywhere from 50-100 years! Once again, the better you take care of your roof, the longer it will last.
Easy steps you can take to increase the life of your roof without a roofing contractor.
Look out for your roof:
- Keep an eye out for algae and mold. Virginia Beach’s coastal conditions foster algae, moss, and mold. So keep an eye out for dark streaks or green patches, especially in the humid summer. If you do spot them, they are relatively easy to clean off.
- Inspect the flashing and seals. Almost all roofs have penetrations like chimneys, vents, skylights, etc. These spots are especially vulnerable. Rust, gaps, or cracks in the sealant can cause a persistent leak, leading to expensive repairs. So catch cracks in your defenses before that happens.
Easy maintenance you can do without a roofing contractor:
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clean. Out of sight, out of mind. We often forget about our gutters, which can lead to neglect. Accumulated debris can cause water pooling, leaks, mold, and potentially a pest infestation.
- Trim overhanging trees, especially before storm season. Trees are wonderful, but has a particularly heavy, weak-looking branch ever caused you anxiety? Admittedly, fallen trees or broken branches are thankfully rare. However, what’s much more common are branches scraping shingles in high winds. Or trees dropping debris during a storm.
- Remove roof debris. Speaking of storm debris, clean up debris regularly to prevent a buildup of water, weight, or critters.
- Rinse your roof off periodically. If you live close to the coast, you’re likely accustomed to salty winds. This salt can accumulate on your roof, corroding metal and degrading asphalt shingles. However, you can wash your roof with fresh water from your hose every 6-12 months.
- Inspect your attic. Your attic is as much a part of your roof as the shingles are. Check your attic for proper ventilation. You don’t want your attic trapping heat or moisture.
Easy steps to increase the life of your roof with a roofing contractor.
- Schedule regular inspections. We know, we know, people often ignore this step because they think a roofing professional will just bill them unnecessarily. However, a professional inspection catches minor problems before they spiral into expensive repairs. That’s why we offer free, no-obligation roof inspections. We recommend getting a professional roof inspection done twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. (Basically, before and after hurricane season)
- Get your roof repair as quickly as possible. If you notice a problem you can’t DIY yourself out of (especially after a storm), call your local roofing experts. Get that problem repaired as quickly as possible so it doesn’t become a bigger headache.
- Consider a protective coating. Applying a waterproof sealant or protective coating can provide added protection against salt and moisture. However, this is kind of a band-aid fix, while the next suggestion is more long-term.
- Consider higher-quality materials. If your basic three-tab shingle roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, then the best possible solution might just be getting a better roof. We offer coastal-rated architectural shingles and corrosion-resistant metal roofs. They require a bigger up-front investment, but they will pay for themselves with their longer lifespans.
Not sure where to start?
Start with a free, no-obligation roof inspection!