Having a new roof installed can be a major investment for your building, so of course you want to be sure it lasts several years. One of the best ways to ensure its longevity is by being aware of potential risks which can shorten the lifespan of the roof. Whether it’s a wood slat, shingled or metal roof there are multiple things to consider which can help protect your investment for a long time to come.
Trees, Algae and Moss – Oh My!
The same trees that shade us from the hot sun and provide a safe haven for songbirds can also damage your roof over time. One of the most obvious risks is from falling branches during a storm, but of course there are some lesser known and often overlooked culprits including sap and moss. During the summer, sap leaks from the tree to cause a sticky mess on nearby surfaces. Over time this sap can harden and slowly damage the coating on your roof. It can also attract insects which may further damage your roof, such as termites, wasps and other unwanted pests.
If your roof is directly under a large shade tree, consider regular maintenance for your roof which includes scraping or power washing the sap away.
Algae can also grow on your shingled roof, especially if it is kept cool and shaded by nearby trees. These algae can wreak havoc on the exterior as well as under and between wood shingles and shakes.
Moss often starts from spores dropped by mosses growing in the trees and, like algae, can create issues for wooden shakes and shingles. Power washing is one of the most effective ways to ensure the spores are washed away from your investment.
Leaks and Roof Inspections
Another often overlooked culprit is potential leaks around the seams of metal roofs or on misplaced panel roofing. While the leaks may seem minor and might not actually get into your building, they can cause damage to the underpart of your roof causing damage to spread without being easily noticed. Homeowners should inspect their roof on occasion, or hire an experienced person to do this for them. Inspections are often quick and will check the integrity of the shingles, shakes, panels or other material for potential damages or misplacement. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so keeping an eye on potential issues before they happen can save you thousands of dollars in roof repair or replacements.
