6 Helpful Tips To Extend The Life of Your Roof

In the Central Florida area, the Barfield Contracting team encounters all types of residential roofing, from flat roofs to charming Decra Villa tile roofs. We realize that homeowners need to keep up appeal and value with regular maintenance. We offer these six snappy tips to help, however: in the event that you can't get up securely on the roof, know that there are roofing contractors accessible who can help, with the best possible prep and gear. A few issues are special to a specific roofing material, yet these three hints work for all roofs:

1: Gutters

Clean gutters extend the life of your roof because water cannot back up or pool, rot the fascia and allow water into attic and walls. Debris from gutters can often be cleaned safely from a ladder, with the proper footing.

2: Trees

Trim overhanging branches away from your roof to avoid blunt impact from branches breaking off during storms. From an extension ladder, sweep away branches and debris from your roof. Avoid walking on the roof, especially if your roof pitch (angle) is steep.

3: Flashing

Look at the thin, flexible metal around chimneys, sanitary stacks, vents or any roof piercings. Look for loose material, wear, or missing metal. Caulk and adhesives are often used in conjunction with flashing, and should not show cracks or gaps.

4: Shingle

Shingle roofs can be visually inspected from that same extension ladder while cleaning your gutters. Look for:

• discoloration from algae
• missing tabs or dislodged shingles
• nail pops
• granule loss (look in the gutters)

5: Tile or Metal

Tile and metal roofs should not be walked on by homeowners. Many warranties on tile or metal roofs are voided when inexperienced folks walk on them. Contact a local professional roofer, like Kelly Roofing, for metal or tile roof repairs and roof maintenance.

• Tile discoloration may remedy itself. Efflorescence, the release of calcium hydroxide from cement tile, washes away from rainwater and exposure to carbon dioxide in the air.
• Metal roofs clean very easily—use a hose, sometimes from the ground, to rid the roof of twigs, leaves and debris.

6: Flat

Flat roofs require frequent inspection and roof maintenance. Promptly remove:

• Branches
• Standing water
• Dirt and debris

Inspect all seams and places where unlike materials meet. Check for sun damage (fading, crazing, blistering).

For expert repairs and roof maintenance, whether your roof is shingle, tile, metal or flat, Call Barfield Contracting & Associates, Inc. 321-454-4531