Your roof is one of the most important features of your home. It provides structure, keeping your house and everything inside of it safe from the elements. If you’ve ever had to deal with roof replacement, you know that it’s a big investment and not something that you want to do very often. So, what things can you do to extend the life of your roof and keep it looking great for years to come?

In today’s post, the Laurel roofing experts at Cox Roofing want to help you by offering several tips for maintaining your roof. Following these simple suggestions can make a big difference and prevent you from having to dish out thousands of dollars prematurely for a roof replacement. Read our post, then call Cox Roofing for all of your roofing needs in the Laurel area.

Remove Leaves And Debris

This time of year is a good time to remove leaves and debris that have accumulated on your roof. Moisture is one of the biggest culprits of roof damage, and when leaves pile up on your roof (particularly in corners or shaded areas) they trap moisture. This moisture can seep under shingles, and in the hot, humid climate of Mississippi, it can also cause mold growth. Both of these scenarios can promote roof damage.

Clean Out Gutters

Keeping your gutters clean is another way to prevent accumulation on your roof. When leaves and debris clog gutters, any additional material will start piling up on your roof. Clean gutters are also needed to facilitate the removal of water. When it rains, water should move down your roof and drain away from your house through your gutters. However, if the gutters are clogged and aren’t working properly, moisture will begin to pool on your roof and seep under shingles.

Repair Or Replace Missing Or Damaged Shingles

If you have damaged or missing shingles, it’s important to get them repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more you risk additional damage to your roof. Making a small financial investment on shingle replacements today is a much better option than paying thousands for a new roof tomorrow.

Make Sure Your Attic Is Properly Ventilated

Proper attic ventilation is very important, especially in hot, muggy climates. Ventilation allows warm, humid air to escape. Not only is this good for keeping your home cooler, but it helps to prevent condensation. When condensation has no place to go it can create mold, causing damage to your insulation and your roof to rot.

Another way to prevent excess condensation is by making sure that you have adequate insulation. When there is a big difference in temperature between the outside and inside, condensation will develop. Reduce the temperature differential by adding insulation to your attic. In the winter, this will help keep your warm air below in the rooms where you want it instead of having it creep into the attic where it will meet the cooler air and create condensation.

Trim Nearby Branches

This is something that most people don’t think about until it’s too late. While trees add natural beauty to your yard, if they aren’t properly trimmed, branches that are hanging over your roof become a potential hazard, especially during a storm. Although you can’t prevent every accident from happening, you can reduce the chances of a branch falling and damaging your roof by keeping your trees properly trimmed.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Many people only schedule a roof inspection for two reasons: when they are buying a new house or when they are seeing signs of significant damage. However, you should keep in mind that many roof replacements start with minor damage that is often unknown to the homeowner. Your roof can have missing or damaged shingles and even have minor leaks without any noticeable signs.

To prevent a small problem from turning into a large one, we suggest that you schedule annual roof inspections. An experienced inspector will know what to look for and will be able to see problems that might not be apparent to the average person. Hiring an inspector is also a much better idea than trying to get on the roof yourself. Only Santa Claus and insured roofing professionals using safety gear should be on your roof.

Invest In Quality

Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about roof replacement any time soon. If you do, investing in quality materials and working with an experienced roofer are the first steps toward having a roof that can last for many years. Even if you are diligent about caring for your roof and take all of the recommended preventative measures, a poorly-built roof probably won’t last long.

At Cox Roofing, we pride ourselves on being able to offer our customers unparalleled service and craftsmanship. We have over 25 years of combined experience and use only the highest quality shingles, such as 3M Scotchgard. For added peace of mind, we even provide a 15-year warranty on all of our installation services. When you work with Cox Roofing, you can leave worries behind knowing that your home will be well cared for, and it will be protected for years to come.

Do you have questions about our services or think you might need a roof replacement? Call Cox Roofing today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!