Your roof is a big investment. Whether you are planning to get a new one, and want to make sure that you get the thirty or more years out of it that it is supposed to last, or you’re trying to make your current roof last as long as possible, here are a few tips that will keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible.

Keep your gutters clean

Gutters aren’t just there to keep you from getting dripped on as you walk into your house. They also serve a very important function for the structural integrity of your house. Gutters carry away the run off from your roof so that moisture doesn’t collect on your roof anywhere. If gutters aren’t working properly, moisture can build up along the edges of the roof, causing damage to the structure of the building itself.

Check your gutters at least once a year, more often if your property has a lot of deciduous trees or is subject to leaves and other contaminants from adjacent properties.

Look at your electric bill

You might not think your electric bill has anything to do with your roofing, but it’s actually a very useful way to tell if there is something not quite right with your roofing.

Every 6 months or so, take a look at your electric bill and compare it to the year before. If your electric usage has gone up, and you haven’t done anything to change your lifestyle, it could be that the insulation in your attic is no longer doing it’s job.

It could be just a sign that you need new insulation, but it could also be a sign of a leaky roof. Leaking can damage the insulation, causing the sudden unexplained increase in electricity. If you see this, it might be worth glancing in your attic and checking to see if you can see any moisture from the underside, as it may help you diagnose the problem.

Visually inspect roof

As roofing ages, you can often spy signs that the roof is reaching the end of its lifespan before drastic damage occurs. Look for granules in your gutters, curling shingles, and loose shingles when you check to see if anything is wrong. If you notice these things, it may be time to get your roof replaced.

Trim your trees

Your trees can potentially cause a lot of damage to your home, both from the build up of leaves getting into your gutters, and also from branches breaking off and falling onto the roof during wind storms. Keep your trees trimmed back from your roof to help preserve it as long as possible.

Royal Renovators Inc. 118-35 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 414-6067 https://www.nycrenovators.com

Royal Roofing & Siding Brooklyn 2380 Ralph Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11234 (718) 536-2667

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