In football, the offensive line protects your quarterback. In soccer and hockey, your goalie is the one protecting the goal. When it comes to your home, the roofing system is your first line of defense that protects you from the elements.

With the approaching hurricane season, it’s best to know how your roof is doing so that you can have peace of mind and not worry about what might happen to your roof depending on our fickle weather.

Understand the basics on how to care for your roof to increase your defenses.

Inspect

Your roof may look good from afar but is it?

• Take some time to look for cracks in your shingles, buckling or curling, loose shingles and shingles with worn grains.
• Look for trees that overhang your roof as branches can fall due to storms. Often times rodents get to the roof from the branches, potentially causing damage.
• Gutters are a good indicator because if anything is blooming in them or water leakage is happening it’s a good sign of something wrong.
• If you can get into your attic, look for water spots and stains. If you see some, contact a professional to take a look and assess if there is serious damage.

Repair the Existing Roof

If the roof is damaged, consider your options. Not every roof has to be replaced and a qualified roofing contractor can advise you on what is best for your situation. Minor damage can be repaired if the underlying roofing system is still intact and you haven’t had any water damage inside of your home.

Replace the Entire Roofing System

If your roof has extensive damage and is over 15 years old, you need a roof replacement. Sometimes, home improvement projects can be a “do it yourself” situation, saving you money in the short term. However, replacing your entire roofing system is not something you should consider doing yourself.

Hiring an experienced roofing contractor that can:

• Get you the best materials for your roof
• Ensure there is proper ventilation
• Install the flashing properly
• Get you the maximum warranty offered

Is more than worth any cost savings you might get doing it yourself.

Improve

Understand what improvements can be done to make sure your roof lasts longer.

• Are your gutters clogged? Gutters that have not been cleaned can cause the water to build up during a heavy rain and may cause leaks. Consider installing low-maintenance gutters that keep the leaves out and protects your roofing system.
• Is your roof properly ventilated? Lack of ventilation can cause many problems with your roofing system, including dry rot, shingle deterioration and mold and mildew growth.
• Did you use a quality roofing system with a solid warranty? Choosing the right roofing contractor to install or repair your roof should also include ensuring they use GAF Roofing Systems because these systems come with the best warranty in the industry.

Always remember the quality of a roof is important because it protects your home from the elements. The roofing system also protects the structural integrity of your home as well.

But regardless of what the roof is designed to do, you want it to be attractive with high-quality materials and proper residential roofing installation. A roof is unarguably your home’s most important structural aspect. This is why it is so important to pay attention to the style and quality of the roofing system you use at home.

Know what you’re dealing with each season and figure out the best approach to keep your roof lasting longer.

What other alternatives can help increase the longevity of your roof?