The Relationship Between Your Property and Your Roof's Condition

If you want your roof to last as long as it was built to, you should know what aspects of your property may speed up your roof's deterioration. In this article, we'll go over how trees, location, and design affect the lifespan and condition of a roof.

Trees
We recommend that tree branches stay at least ten feet from your roof. So, trim branches that are too close to your home. The branches can damage your roof's structure during an ice or wind storm.

When branches hang over a roof, twigs and leaves can fall into the gutters, clogging them. Furthermore, twigs can form a blanket of debris on the roof and attract moisture. Moisture leads to roof rot.

Location
When it comes to your roof's lifespan, it matters where you live.

· Coastal areas. Humidity levels are high in coastal regions, which can cause the metal to corrode and rust more quickly. Additionally, it increases the risk of mold and mildew growth, leading to wood and insulation rot.

Moisture in the air invites lichen and algae to grow on the roof, which can lift and loosen shingles or cause leaks.

When moisture is trapped on a roof, the deck can warp or expand, leading to interior damage. The constant exposure to wind and sand in coastal areas leads to erosion and pitting. In time, the shingles may crack, curl, or become brittle, reducing their effectiveness at keeping water out.

· Hot, sunny locations. Hot days with prolonged sun exposure fade color and crack material over time. UV rays accelerate deterioration.

· Storm alleys. Strong winds, heavy hail, snow, and ice threaten your roof. For example, tree branches and hail may puncture the roof, or wind can blow away shingles and tiles.

Design
Your roof's design can make your roof more vulnerable to damage. For example, darker colors may hold on to too much heat, causing cracking and accelerated damage. On the other hand, you need proper insulation that can hold enough heat to prevent ice accumulation.

Flat roofs with small slopes may deteriorate faster because of slow water movement.

If you're wondering about the lifespan of your roof or if it has acquired damage, get an inspection. So, if you live in West Michigan, call Town Corners Roofing and Exteriors at 616-772-9700 or fill out our contact form for a FREE estimate.

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