Your roof is an investment; you want your roof to last for as long as possible. When it comes to getting as much life as possible out of your roof, how you treat it matters. There are steps you can take that will help to extend the overall life of your roof.

#1: Watch Your Trees

If you have trees growing near your home, keep a close eye on them. Trees can do a lot of damage to your roof, with the branches scraping and wearing down the shingles and with leaves and branches creating debris and allowing moisture to build up and damage your roof. Keep all trees and shrubs trimmed so they don't overlap with the top of your roof.

#2: Remove Snow

If you live in an area where getting a foot of snow or more all at once is normal, don't just let the snow sit there until it melts on its own. You will want to learn how to use a special snow shovel that will remove the snow from your roof. Or you can hire your local roofing company to come and clear the snow from your roof after any heavy snowfalls. All of that weight and moisture can be damaging to your roof.

#3: Kill Moss and Mold

Many things can grow on your roofs, such as moss, mold, and even algae. You shouldn't allow anything to grow on your roof. All three of these living things can trap moisture on your roof and cause your shingles to deteriorate at an accelerated rate. If you notice moss, mold, or mildew growing on your roof, you can try to treat it on your own, or you can call your local roofing company and have them treat and kill whatever is growing on your roof.

#4: Be Alert for Missing Shingles

Shingles can go missing even on new roofs. All it takes is the right amount of wind and the correct type of storm to rip a shingle off your roof. A missing shingle doesn't only look unappealing; it can also make your roof more vulnerable to leaks. If you notice your roof is missing any shingles, call your local roofing company to come out and patch your roof right away. Don't delay, as the longer you wait, the bigger the risk you have of a leak developing on your roof.

#5: Get an Annual Inspection

To ensure your roof stays in great shape, get an annual inspection. A training roofing inspector will notice things that could be touched up on your roof or represent a risk to the health of your roof that you may not recognize. With a roofing inspection, they will not just check on your roof; they will fix any issues that they spot as well.

If you want to get as many years as possible out of your roof, keep the trees away, kill moss, algae, and mold immediately, remove excessive snowfall, be alert for missing shingles, and always work with a professional to keep your roof in top quality shape. Contact a local roofing company to learn more.

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