Routine roof maintenance is essential to extending your roof’s lifespan, but it can only do so much. At a certain point, you’ll need to get a roof replacement. What are the factors that can shorten your roof’s lifespan?
The roofing contractors at McGuire Roofing & Construction elaborate on them below:
Irregular Maintenance
It’s important to stick to a maintenance routine. Remember: Irregular or improper maintenance is just as bad as failing to maintain your roof.
The Sun
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can literally break down the surface of your roof, altering its composition and tearing it apart molecule by molecule. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can, over time, cause the roof’s surface to become brittle.
There’s also the issue of thermal shock caused by abrupt changes in the temperature. When exposed to heat from the sun, the surface of the roof expands. But as temperatures drop, the roof contracts. Over time, repeated contractions and expansions brought about by sudden changes in temperature can cause cracks to form on the roof.
Leaks
Rainwater could easily infiltrate your roof through the cracks on its surface. If moisture managed to make its way to your roof’s underlayers, it can create a host of problems such as mold and rot. In particular, mold is especially problematic because it can easily affect other parts of your home.
Roof Pitch
The roof’s slope can also indirectly shorten your roof’s lifespan. Thanks to their low slope and the fact water tends to pond on flat surfaces, flat roofs are especially vulnerable to UV damage and leaks. That’s why it’s important that only professional commercial roofing contractors handle flat roof installations.
Looking for roofers near you?
McGuire Roofing & Construction, a family-owned local company, offers professional roofing services, including gutter installation and residential roof construction. To get a free estimate, call us at (865) 338-7663 or fill out this form. Talk to us today! We serve homeowners in Knoxville and Oak Ridge, as well as the surrounding TN communities.