Home Improvement Projects to Increase the Life of Your Siding and Roof

Your roof and siding are the first defense against the elements of your home. Make sure they last as long as needed. The same elements can eventually cause damage to your home’s exteriors, especially if they aren’t maintained well. You only get as much life out of your home’s surfaces as you put in. Here are ways to maximize your siding and roofing investment.

Get rid of clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts.

Your gutters don’t just collect leaves. Your roof and siding are protected from water runoff by gutters. It may sound innocent, but it’s only rain! But consider this: Your siding probably has small cracks where the boards or sides meet. Moisture could get behind your home’s exterior cladding, leading to mold growth and leakage.

When drainage systems fail, your roof is also at risk. If your drainage system becomes blocked, your gutters bend back towards your home, or are damaged further down the line; they will not function properly. This could lead to rainwater pooling or “ponding,” as it is known in the roofing industry. Ponding is bad because it can add weight to your roof. Water is heavy and excessive weight can lead to structural problems. Water can also cause leaks and could even lead to the growth or destruction of vegetation or algae. You could have a literal pond on your roof. No thanks!

Attic Ventilation: Improve It

Ask contractors about attic ventilation if you want to see them get animated. It is a controversial topic among roofing professionals. How to vent a roof and how much air ventilation affects your roof’s lifespan are two of the most important issues. Most roofing professionals agree that improper ventilation can create problems over the long term. Poorly ventilated roofs can get very hot in the summer, reaching 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t count, that’s more than enough heat to boil a pork loin. Asphalt shingles can be affected by elevated temperatures and may eventually fall apart. This means that you will need to reroof sooner.

Have your Asphalt Roof Cleaned

Your asphalt roof may not dry quickly if it is in partial or continuous shade. This can lead to algae and mold problems. Experts even suggest that algae buildup could cause air conditioner costs to rise. You can hire a professional to clean your home and remove any algae streaks. This one isn’t for the weekend. Power washing your roof can cause damage to the shingles, which is exactly what you are trying to do.

Ask your cleaning service to do a “soft clean” -- a solution pumped onto the roof using an air compressor. This gentle cleaning will maintain your roof’s beauty and protect your asphalt roofing shingles. You can save a lot of money by investing a little now in maintenance.