Maintaining a house can result in a significant outlay, with such basic amenities as plumping, electrical, and other minor repairs, taking up a large part of your budget. None of these costs, however, compare to that of installing a new roof.

Unfortunately, there will be a time where your roof will need to be replaced. And sometimes that time comes sooner than it should.

While it’s impossible to avoid replacing your roof when really necessary, by planning in advance, you can extend its current lifespan. In turn, that would provide more time from one roof replacement to the next and save you a lot of money in the process.

The good news is that much of the damage that leads to replacement can be prevented if you understand roof maintenance. Here are some basic tips on how you can extend the lifespan of your roof.

Your gutters play a big part in maintaining the lifespan of your roof. Functional and clean gutters will lead to less risk of leaks or other damage to your roof. Gutters catch leaves falling from your roof and lead water from your roof and its foundation so that problems are prevented down the line. By regularly cleaning your gutters, it allows any water to freely flow from the roof.

Trees may provide an aesthetic quality for houses, but they also have the potential to cause an early roof failure if they aren't handled properly. In a storm, leaves and branches can fall on your roof and cause damage. Leaves can find themselves in the gutters and trap moisture inside, while the branches can potentially scratch the protective material on your shingles. You should keep your branches a minimum of 10 feet away from the roof, and ensure that any overhanging branches are trimmed.

Insulation and ventilation are important when it comes to your roof. By implementing proper ventilation, cold air can find its way into the attic, while also allowing warm air to find its way out. The insulation would be responsible for absorbing heat. By ensuring proper implementation of insulation and ventilation, you would be preventing water vapor from building up and damaging the underside of your roof. It could also help to reduce energy consumption in the home.

The best thing you can do to extend the lifespan of your roof is to hire a professional to give it a regular inspection. A roof inspector enables you to learn what’s really going on with your roof, and spot any minor issues prior to them becoming one that could cause serious damage.

While it’s always wise to give your roof a routine inspection yourself, you could save a lot of time and money in the long run by hiring a professional. A St Louis roofing company will send out an expert roofer with the required knowledge and experience to identify any issues that you may have missed. This is critical when your roof has problems requiring immediate attention.