How to extend the life of an asphalt-shingle roof in Florida

Your home is the largest investment you will make in your life. It makes sense to care for its components. The roof is the most vulnerable part of any home’s exterior. Let’s look at how to prolong the life span of an asphalt roof in Florida.

Florida’s harsh climate can be very damaging to buildings and other components. Homes here are subject to severe weather conditions, including snow and heavy rains. Another level of severe storms and hurricanes is also more frequent. These storms can cause immediate destruction instead of the gradual decline we all anticipate.

Top Tips to Increase the Lifespan of a Shingle Roof

The most widely used roofing material in America is asphalt-shingle roofs. Although they are more durable than tile or steel roofing, they are a good choice for many homes. Although you will see companies offering a lifetime warranty for their best-quality asphalt roofing shingles, it is not a 100-year-roof. For that matter, you might get a 50-year-roof.

These tips are applicable to all asphalt-shingle roofs. Some roof problems may require you to go into your attic or hire a contractor. A thorough inspection by a residential roofing specialist will make your home look great. A home inspector could be hired, but it is important to do a thorough inspection.

This involves taking a close look at every component of the roof. These include the flashing and penetrations and boots, ventilation, drip edge, facia board, and the actual shingles. Here are some tips to maintain a shingle roof’s top condition after you have completed an inspection.

Keep it clean

Power-washing the roof is a good idea, but it’s best to keep it clean. The protective granular coating of shingles can be removed by power washing. Although the granules can sometimes loosen and wash into gutters over time, a power washer is far too powerful. One of these machines can remove paint and force water into every nook and crevice of your home. It can be difficult to dry these areas due to Florida’s humid climate. You can use a broom or blower instead of a pressure washer. Be sure to clean from the top to the bottom. Don’t blow up or sweep below the layers of shingles. It’s simple.

Make sure you keep your gutters and downspouts clear

Continue cleaning by clearing the gutters. Clogs can lead to water backing up and overflowing, which could allow water to find its way to trim boards or siding. These types of repairs are common and can be avoided. Gutter guards or screens are well-worth the cost. They keep your gutters clean and keep you from falling off a ladder that is sometimes dangerous.

Trim Your Trees

Trees should be kept trimmed away from the house so they don’t touch it. If you have tall, shaded trees on your property you will be aware of how they can reduce the temperature. Tree trimming is usually a job best left to professionals. Tree trimming is a physically strenuous job with high potential for disaster. It doesn’t have to be done every day.

Image by Gretta Blankenship, Pixabay

Attic ventilation

This task is best left to professionals. One thing to consider is that if your ventilation system has become blocked by insulation that’s moved, insect nests, etc., it could be a problem. There could be excessive heat buildup, moisture buildup or both. The home may have been performing poorly for some time if the builder did not properly ventilate it from the beginning. It is quite common for bathroom fans and kitchen ranges to vent directly into the attic. This can be a serious problem. Anything that adds moisture to a space that is not properly vented must be fixed quickly.

Make sure you have attic insulation

This is in addition to checking attic ventilation. Where you live, what does the building code require regarding attic insulation? You might need to have your home up-to-code if it is below that level. You can reduce cooling costs even if your home isn’t being sold. Insulating your attic will prevent more heat from the sun from entering your home.

Tear-off yields a better result

What about Tear-off?

When installing a new roof, do a complete tear-off. Although it is more labor intensive, this will prolong the life of your new roof. It isn’t always possible, especially for DIY projects, to do this task, but it is the best. You can re-roof an asphalt-shingle roof once you have it in good condition. All components and the existing shingles must be in good condition. There are many potential problems. One is that skipping tear-off can mean adding another layer heavy shingles. Is the house’s frame strong enough to support the weight? You can’t also inspect the condition and components of the roof decking without tearing it off. A third reason is that many contractors won’t tear-off a shingle roof. A tear-off is more laborious, but presents fewer problems. A tear-off may be required to get a shingle warranty. It’s a requirement that manufacturers often make, and it is not possible to avoid it.

This article was written by a roofing and solar installation specialist at HD Roofing & Construction. At HD Roofing & Construction, our roofing team is the heart of the company, and we are proud to have a highly-trained, professional team. If you need a roof over your head, we’ve got you covered. We offer roof repair in Lakeland FL and home improvement services, including roof replacement and repairs, emergency tarps, home restoration, and solar!