Roofs are meant to last for years before showing signs of degradation and wearing out. However, even the best quality roof sometimes doesn’t perform as well as it should because of the unavoidable challenges it encounters during its lifespan or its low-quality materials.
If quality is the problem, a few roofing upgrades can help improve your roof’s performance and prolong its life without constantly having to worry about roofing problems. Below, we’ll look at a few roofing upgrades you should consider when your roof’s performance deteriorates so you can prolong its life.
Invest in Better Quality Roofing Material
The core purpose of a roofing upgrade project is always to improve the quality of the roof, and this begins with the roofing materials a homeowner chooses. Besides an improved lifespan, the right roofing material quality improves your roof’s curb appeal, value, and performance against the elements. While the best quality materials tend to be costlier than their average counterparts, the potential benefits far outweigh the cost implications.
One of the best upgrades you can make is shifting from 3-tab shingles, which are quickly turning obsolete, to the popular architectural asphalt shingles. This upgrade is often considered a smart move because architectural asphalt shingles are affordable and have a high return on investment.
If you have the financial capacity, you can upgrade to a more premium roofing material that will give your roof more curb appeal and life. Ensure you consult your trusted roofer for the best roofing material for your home.
Fix Cracked or Broken Tiles
Your roof’s tiles may have sustained substantial hits from a heavy storm, leaving them cracked or broken and vulnerable to leaks and water damage. In such instances of hail damage to roof, it’s cheaper to fix the specific tiles that have been affected than to replace the entire roof.
While fixing cracked or broken roof tiles might seem like a small step, it’s one of the critical decisions you can take to extend your roof’s lifespan. Fixing the tiles early protects your roof’s crucial underlayment and extends to protect your roof system, keeping it strong for a long time.
Improve Your Attic Ventilation
If your roofing upgrade project doesn’t include improving your attic ventilation, you’ll soon be planning for another, more expensive upgrade. Your roof needs to seamlessly circulate hot air out and cool air in, depending on external temperature variations, to remain in good health throughout the year.
If the ventilation systems, including the roof vents and soffit, aren’t working properly, excessive moisture will build up in the attic, allowing mold growth and an unhealthy roof environment. If mold and mildew are allowed to grow for a long time, the effect is felt deep into the home’s structure and could also affect occupants’ health.
Additionally, proper ventilation will help minimize condensation on the plywood decking, which supports roof shingles. This condensation, when left to accumulate on the plywood decking, can lead to rotting, which directly compromises the roof’s structural integrity. Ensure you get the best insulation and ventilation services from your roofing contractor to prevent any instances of water damage on your roof.
Introduce Gutter Screens
One of the tips for saving as much money as possible on roofing upgrades is to use gutter screens instead of entirely replacing the existing gutters. Gutter screens are a wired mesh, which mostly come in the form of powder-coated steel wire or expanded aluminum powder or wire. They’re useful for catching any debris that is swept down your roof, allowing only water to flow through to prevent blocked downspouts and overflowing gutters.
The gutter screens are a crucial addition to the roofs of homes that are surrounded by trees. With them in place, you don’t have to constantly worry about cleaning dead leaves and small branches off your gutters or draining your clogged downspouts. Let a professional install the right gutter screens for you during the roof upgrade to optimize performance.
Apply Sealants and Coatings
In addition to your roofing material’s inherent strength, apply sealants and coatings to further enhance its performance against harsh weather elements like UV rays and excess water. If you don’t protect your roofing material early enough, you may not enjoy its full potential, leading to another costly upgrade soon.
Some roof coatings, like Silicone, are super effective at reflecting the sun’s harmful UV rays, extending your roof’s lifespan and reducing your home’s cooling costs. Once the sealants or coatings you applied dry up, they can also effectively resist ponding water, reducing water damage on your roof and extending your roof’s lifespan.
Once applied, you’ll need to regularly maintain the sealants or coatings by inspecting the roof for any damage or wear and cleaning the roof surface to eliminate debris and dirt. You can also remove any damaged or loose coating and reapply a fresh coat or sealant to maintain effective performance.
With proper care and maintenance, your roof can help keep your home and its occupants safe and comfortable for a long time without signs of deterioration. Consider the above tips when next you plan a roofing upgrade project so you can enjoy long-lasting results.
