How To Extend A Roof’s Lifespan: Shingle Maintenance Tips From Colorado Experts

The first thing I always like to ask people about their roofs is, "How old is your roof, and when was the last time you had it inspected?"

Maybe that's a weird thing to ask, but for such a simple question, it's usually a stumper - because a roof isn't something most people think about a lot. It's just.. there. Right up until something goes wrong, and suddenly it's a huge, unexpected expense. It doesn't have to be like that, though.

A little bit of maintenance, and an occasional inspection, can go a long way... just think about it. If there's even a tiny problem with your roof, it can lead to costly and damaging leaks - but often those problems can be fixed as easily as replacing a shingle.

It's well worth it - but to make it even more affordable, you can even do your own inspections after major storms. We'll talk about when you should call an expert, and how to keep an eye on your roof in between visits as well.

Take Care Of Your Roof, The Inexpensive Way

If you think about it, a roof isn't really that complex - but it is important. So it's a little surprising that so many people just forget about their roofs, at least until they start to leak.

I caught up with some local experts from Apex Restoration & Roofing, to talk to them about how long a roof should last, how we can inspect it ourselves, and when to call the professionals, and finally, how to get the maximum lifespan from a roof, for the minimum cost.

If you're looking for the short answer, with the least amount of work involved - all it takes is some help from whoever your local roofing experts are.

The team I spoke with recommends that all homes and businesses have their roofs inspected and repaired regularly, because that's the easiest way to prevent early failures and maximize the lifespan of the materials. To put it simply - it's a lot more affordable to get regularly scheduled, minimal repairs as things break than it is to replace the entire roof early because it fell apart from lack of basic care.

In fact, if you can't remember the last time you had your roof inspected, you should probably consider calling an expert soon... maybe even before the next major storm.

How Long Roofs Last & How To Make It Longer

You and I probably both know folks who have gone years, maybe decades, without having their roofs inspected. You may even be one of them - but let me ask you this: how's your roof looking now?

In my own experience, and the experts tell me it's super common, forgetting about your roof or missing the inspections can often lead to a total failure in as little as half of its rated lifespan. If your shingles are rated for 30 years, you need occasional repairs to help them last that long; otherwise, you may be replacing them after only 15 years.

With regular inspections and repairs, it's sometimes possible for asphalt shingles to last beyond their 30-year rating, and metal sheeting roofs can last for 70 years, or maybe even longer.

You can do the math yourself, but I guarantee that in almost every situation, it's a lot more expensive to replace your entire roof every 15 years than it is to get a few check-ups and some maintenance.

The experts I spoke with recommend getting your roof checked once or twice per year, depending on its age, span, and materials, but you can also do quick inspections yourself, in between visits.

Check Your Own Roof, Between Inspections

So you've recently had an inspection, but you just had a major storm, what now?

My suggestion is simple - take a look for yourself. You don't even need to climb up on the roof. For example, you can often see from the ground if any shingles are damaged, bent, missing, or have lost all their granules (the bumpy bits).

If you see any clear signs of damage, don't try to fix it yourself. I know it can be tempting, but not only is it dangerous to be working up on the roof, but you could cause more damage than you fix, if you're not a roofing expert.

It's better to call in an expert and get it done right, than risk messing it up worse - because a bit of sloppy job today could end up causing a big leak next time it rains.

If you have a metal roof, these self-inspections can include checking for damaged or missing fasteners, bent metal sheeting, or issues with downspouts, eavestroughs, and drainage. Just remember that in the event of a leak, you should call a local roofing expert who offers emergency repair services right away.

If there's one takeaway from all this, it's this: It's a lot more effective if you fix your roof before it starts leaking, and keep it maintained. You'll save money too.

The only thing I like more than saving money, while still getting the service I need, is knowing that my home and possessions are fully protected as a result.

Just remember, there's crazy weather out there and it only takes one little leak to let in the water, and start causing damage. Take care, in advance.