How to Extend the Life of Roofing in Irving, TX
Commercial Roofing Company, Roof Maintenance
Posted on April 26, 2017 by Anderson Industrial Roofing
Replacing tile or shingle roofs can be a costly affair. A roofing in Irving, TX generally involves a lot of costs. So, it’s important that you take proper care to extend the life of your roofing in Irving, TX. Here are some tips that can help you to ensure that the roof stays strong for a long time without requiring a replacement.
1. Clean the Gutters
Dirt, dust, leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog the gutters. This will prevent rainwater from draining through the downspouts. Water will accumulate on the roof causing damage to the roofing. By cleaning the gutters every spring and fall, you can avoid major damage to the roofing in Irving, TX.
In case you have tall trees around the house, you should consider cutting overhanging branches. Trimming back the branches will prevent leaves and twigs from damaging the roof. However, you should check beforehand with the local authorities about cutting branches of trees that are located on a neighboring property.
2. Liquid Polymer Coating to Shingles
Applying a coating of liquid polymer to shingle roofing in Irving, TX will prevent weather and water damage. The coating will not only make the shingle roofing in Irving, TX damage resistant, but also improve the appearance. They are widely used in home renovation projects and can be applied quickly to the roofs. The coating provides the optimum protection when applied right after installation of the shingle roofing in Irving, TX.
3. Consider Roof Insulation
Most people insulate the walls, attics, and crawl spaces to prevent heat transfer and keep the house warm during the winters and cool during the summers. Insulation of the roof is generally overlooked that can offer various benefits.
Insulation of the roofs will not only make the house more comfortable and reduce energy bills but also extend the life of the roofing in Irving, TX. Proper roof insulation can strengthen the structural integrity of the property.
Generally, the temperatures of the roofs during the summers are higher than the ambient air temperatures. The temperature is higher for roofing in Irving, TX due to the hot climate. The high temperature can damage the roof resulting in frequent repairs. Insulation can reduce radiant transfer and prevent the roof from heating up. This will result in longer lifespan of your roofing in Irving, TX.
4. Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is important to avoid roofing damage. Poor ventilation in the attic can result in premature aging of the roof. The temperature of the attic can exceed 160 degrees during the summers in the case of improper air flow. The heated air can penetrate the insulation of the attic that will not make the rooms warmer and increase the energy bills.
Without proper attic ventilation, the shingles on the roof can literally start to fry up. This can result in accelerated decay of the shingles. Also, the rafters that hold the roof will be damaged due to cracking and warping.
Improperly ventilated attics will allow moisture from the showers, bathtubs, household appliances, and cooking vapors to collect and build up underneath the roof. The moisture will condense and soak the attic insulation, thereby lowering its thermal efficiency.
The extent of air that circulates in the attic depends on air exhaust at the roof’s peak and the air intake vents in the soffits. The FHA recommends that there should be about a foot of attic ventilation at both the exhaust and intake over 300 sq. ft. of the attic space. If the attic space is 12,000 square feet, the total required attic ventilation should be 4 feet, which should be equally divided between the exhaust and intake ventilation.
5. Regular Cleaning of the Roof
The roof should be cleaned regularly to avoid damage due to dirt, dust, mold, and algae. Roofs that are in the shade tend to attract algae that feed on the microscopic particles on the roof. The growth can be seen as either a green or a black stain on the roof.
Cleaning of the roof should be done by a professional. Avoid cleaning the roof right after the rain as it presents a slip and fall hazard. Regular cleaning of the roof will ensure extended life and also improve the curb appeal.
6. Ensure Regular Inspection of the Roof
Regular inspection of the roof is necessary to ensure extended life. The roof should be inspected and repaired as needed. Consider looking at the flashing that is generally attached to the chimney, and make sure that it is in good condition.
Furthermore, it’s important to examine the seals to ensure that they can block moisture from entering the house. Both the roof and the attic ceiling should be inspected to watch for signs of interior or exterior damage, wear and tear, mold damage, leaks, and structural problems. Any issue with the roof should be resolved immediately before it gets more expensive to fix. In case the shingles fall off and wear out, the roof is exposed to sleet, wind, snow, rain, and hail. This will ultimately cause the roof to leak and rot that will be costly to fix.
In Conclusion
The above tips can help ensure extended life of the roof. Whether you have shingle or tile roofs, these tips can ensure that you don’t have to replace the roof that often. The little effort in maintaining the roof will save you from great inconvenience later on and result in great cost savings in the long run.
If you need to repair or replace tiles in Irving, TX, you can contact Anderson Industrial Roofing. We offer expert services for repair and installation of new roofing in Irving, TX. You can count on our experts to provide you with quality roofing services at the best prices.