How to Make Your Roof Last Longer

There’s no shortage of extreme weather in Texas. Intense heat, hail, lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, and even snow — the Lone Star State has it all. Make sure your home’s roof can weather the next big storm by keeping up with routine roof maintenance and annual inspections.

Why It’s Important to Extend Your Roof’s Life Span

Aside from the obvious shelter factor, a well-maintained roof is a solid investment for your home that boosts its curb appeal, value, and energy efficiency. Routine maintenance can help postpone an inevitable full-roof replacement, which can cost between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on your home’s location, size, and style.

Proper roof maintenance doesn’t just extend your roof’s life span; it can help you avoid any insurance coverage gray areas, says Tesa Skipper, a Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Dickinson. For example, insurance companies typically won’t pay for a leaky roof — unless there’s tangible proof that something other than neglected upkeep caused it. Most property insurance policies only cover roof repairs or replacement if the damage is the result of an accident or weather event, such as a tornado, hurricane, or windstorm. “Insurance companies don’t pay for maintenance issues,” Skipper says. “They pay for claims for named perils.”

How to Extend Your Roof’s Life Span

Roofs come in all shapes and sizes, built with varying materials ranging from metal to wood. Here in Texas, the most common are asphalt shingles, which, with proper maintenance, can last up to 20 years. Skipper shared some steps homeowners can take to extend an asphalt shingle roof’s life span.

1. Routine maintenance. Stay ahead of costly repairs and keep your roof in pristine condition by following general roof maintenance guidelines such as keeping your gutters clean and removing fallen tree limbs and branches.

2. Annual inspections. It’s best to get your roof inspected at least once a year, ideally in the fall or after a major storm. This proactive approach helps prevent problems before they start, as you’re more likely to find and fix small leaks before they seep into your attic. Skipper advises that homeowners be selective when choosing a contractor for an inspection. “You don’t necessarily want to take your first drive-by person who comes up to you,” she says. “Go with someone you trust who has a solid reputation.”

3. Attic ventilation. Poor ventilation can cause your roof to prematurely age. Extreme heat throughout the summer months can permeate attic insulation, making the A/C work overtime and causing the roof’s shingles to singe, which can lead to early erosion.

4 Signs It’s Time for a New Roof

At some point, your roof will need a full replacement. Here are some telltale signs it’s time to call a trusted contractor.

1. It’s old. If your roof is pushing 20-plus years, it might be time to replace it — or you could be one strong thunderstorm away from avoidable damage.

2. The shingles are lacking. Buckling, curling, cracked, or (worst of all) missing shingles are often the product of years of moisture and excessive heat. Curling and buckling might also signify a poor initial installation.

3. It’s leaking. If the leak isn’t loud and visible, you might not know it’s there. Look for yellowed stains on the ceiling or along inner walls.

4. There are signs of sagging. Years of water damage and the weight of snow and ice can cause a roof to droop, dip, and curve.

Don’t wait for Mother Nature’s next big move. Protect the roof over your family’s head with inspections, maintenance, and by calling your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent.

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.