We love hearing this question. We always tell folks the best, basic ways to care for their roof (read all about them here), but for you homeowners who are serious about getting your money's worth out of your new roof, here are our top three tips for making your investment in your roof last as long as possible.
1. Check your attic ventilation
Without proper attic ventilation, there's a pretty good chance your roof might start aging prematurely—no one wants that! During our usual hot and humid (and typically mosquito-infested) Minnesotan summers, the temperature in an attic with poor airflow can easily pass the 100-degree mark. Temperatures like this can be brutal for anyone to bear—the same goes for your shingles.
According to The Federal Housing Administration, they recommend a minimum of at least one square foot of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space. For example, if your attic is around 600 square feet, you'll need about two square feet of ventilation.
2. Roofing insulation makes difference
When you think it's hot outside, chances are, the temperature your roof is experiencing is much hotter. When your roof sits cooking in the afternoon, summer sun, the roof transfers radiant heat to objects below, like your attic. Insulation in your roof will not only help keep your entire house cooler, it will also help keep the heat down on the roof, thereby helping the roofing material last longer.
3. Invite a roof professional over
When was the last time you had your roof professionally inspected? To help prolong the life of your roof, mark your calendar, and have your roof professionally inspected every couple of years. Many roofing experts suggestion every two to three years is optimal for maintenance care. When you have your roof inspected every couple of years, you'll have the opportunity to have small roof repairs done, like resealing weak spots or replacing damaged shingles.
Are you living in Minnetonka, Edina, Eden Prairie, St. Paul, or anywhere in between? Don't hesitate to give us a call at 952.935.0557.