Roofing maintenance is an often misunderstood topic. Many homeowners may not realize that their roofs require maintenance, thinking routine gutter cleaning is good enough to prevent major problems. Others may perform unnecessary tasks such as snow clearing, wasting time, and potentially putting themselves in danger for little benefit.

Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure that a roof lasts as long as possible while minimizing the likelihood of costly failures and repairs. If you're like many homeowners, you may be neglecting these three critical and easily overlooked tasks that can help meaningfully extend the lifespan of your asphalt roof. 

1. Routine Professional Inspections

If you only glance at your roof in passing, it might seem like a fairly static and uneventful place. After all, your roof doesn't change much from day to day. Of course, appearances can be deceiving. Residential roofs go through a lot, often enduring high winds, brutally hot sun exposure, and frequent attacks from birds, squirrels, and other animals.

Unfortunately, it's often hard to spot small problems from the ground, and many issues may go unnoticed by untrained eyes. One of the best things you can do to ensure the longevity of your roof is to hire a professional roofing contractor to conduct routine inspections. These inspections can help you spot problems as early as possible, allowing you to repair them before they become critical.

2. Algae and Moss Removal

Algae and moss will typically form in cool, shady areas with persistently high moisture content. If you live in a dry region or have a roof with full sun exposure, these nuisances may not be much of a problem. On the other hand, algae and moss are a constant issue for homes in humid climates or where one part of the roof sits in shade most of the year.

In addition to being unsightly, these organisms can reduce the lifespan of your shingles and may also be a warning sign of an underlying moisture issue. Cleaning your shingles as part of a yearly maintenance routine will help extend the life of your roof and make it much easier to spot and address any existing moisture problems.

3. Flashing Repair and Replacement

Roof flashing is the material roofers install around chimneys, vents, HVAC equipment, or other areas where it's not possible to maintain a continuous line of shingles. The flashing helps to redirect water away from these vulnerable areas, ensuring it flows down your shingles and into your gutters. However, flashing is often one of the first parts of a roof to fail.

A routine inspection should include checking roof flashing and vent boots (or gaskets) for signs of wear, damage, and deterioration. Replacing these items or repairing them with roofing caulk can prevent water from seeping under your shingles, helping to prevent costly premature roofing failures.

To find out more, contact a company like Roof Drs.