One of the most vital elements of your home, your roof keeps you and your property safe from nature’s fury and helps maintain your home’s true value. To protect and prolong your roof's life is not just a good preservation strategy, but a wise investment decision that can prevent your property from losing value and keep your family safe and comfortable. One part of this strategy is to have your roof inspected regularly (say, every two years) while it's still under warranty. You should also schedule an inspection after any major weather event (such as a tornado or hail storm). The second part is to have the qualified inspectors make any necessary repairs to the roofing system, including the shingles or tiles, the underlayment, the flashing, and—yes—the ventilation.
The first step in adequately maintaining a roof is to inspect it regularly. Do this from both the ground and up close, and pay attention to any signs of damage. Look for things like missing or damaged shingles, sagging or uneven areas, and visible wear and tear. The most common places for roofs to leak are around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations, so pay extra attention to how these areas look and function. Keep your gutters as clean as the dandiest of dandy lions. You want them free of debris and weird organic gunk so that they drain properly. And trim any overhanging tree branches so that the only not-so-safe place to be is in the Lost Woods. Also, cut down any pine trees that are in close proximity to the house.
Another vital element in prolonging your roof's life is using good materials and quality professional installation. Purchase first-rate roofing materials that are suited to your climate and your home's architectural style; these will hold up much better to the rigors of time and the vicissitudes of weather. Make sure your roofing contractor or crew properly ventilates your attic; this will help to keep your roof and attic in better condition for a longer period. Robust space and airflow also allow your roofing materials to evaporate any moisture they might absorb, making your roof less likely to rot, mold, or warp. Consider having a roofing coating applied; it can enhance your roof's durability and make it more resistant to ultraviolet rays. Finally, have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year or after major weather events. If they catch issues early, you might save yourself a lot of trouble and money in the long run.
