Chances are, your roof is probably the last thing on your mind. With all the daily hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of the most important exterior essentials that safeguard your entire interior space.  Most asphalt roof systems are designed to protect your home for 15 years, but the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends you inspect your roof regularly two times a year during the spring and fall.

Here are some expert inspection tips and suggestions on what to do to keep your roof in better shape.

1. Homebuyer’s beware. Inspecting a roof  before your closing date is vital.  Getting a professional roof inspection before that home is officially yours will save you a lot of time and costly repairs.
2. Trim troublesome trees.  When admiring your home and surrounding landscape, it’s important not to overlook overhanging branches that can scratch and gouge your roof materials. To prevent damaging or puncturing your shingles, trim back and remove any branches getting close to your roof.
3. Gutter cleaning.  Remove leaves and other debris. In addition to bothersome branches, leaves and other elements can clog your gutter system and cause water to backup into the attic, living areas or behind the fascia boards. To ensure your drainage system is flowing, it’s recommended that you clean your roof at least twice per year and be on the lookout for sagging gutters or damaged drain components.
4. Ensure the roof is built to breathe.  Improper ventilation, heat and moisture can cause sheathing and rafting to rot and buckle and insulation to lose effectiveness, causing you roofing system to be ineffective.

If all of these roofing issues is overwhelming to you, a metal roof is a great alternative to traditional asphalt. It lasts 50+ years and is the strongest, low maintenance roof available. Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and can show you why metal roofing is fast becoming the most popular roofing option available.