If you live in a house with a roof, then your roof needs to be inspected and cleaned yearly at the very least. But how often should sealant be applied?
Most home inspectors recommend that roofs be inspected and sealed every three to five years depending on factors such as the number of leaks and the roof’s age. This varies widely by location but usually falls somewhere between these two extremes.
Factors that determine how often you need roof sealants services for your home:
Rainfall
The average annual rainfall in any given area is the first factor to consider when determining how often you should seal a roof. This amount of rainfall is important because it indicates how much excess moisture collects on your roof over the course of the year. With higher levels of rainfall, you’ll need to apply sealant more often than those with lower levels.
Population Density
The second factor to consider is the population density of your area. A densely populated area can increase the likelihood of problems with your roof because of increased foot traffic and roof traffic from HVAC equipment. Increased foot traffic can cause damage to shingles from improper boot removal, while roof traffic from HVAC equipment can damage the sealant around vents and chimneys. This may increase the need to have roofing contractors seal your roof sooner than would normally be recommended.
Age of Your Roof
The roof’s age is the third factor to consider when determining how often you should seal your roof. For example, a ten-year-old asphalt shingle roof will have a lot more damage and surface flaws than a less-than-two-year-old tile/terracotta shingle roof. Damage and imperfections on older roofs require more frequent roof sealant services to stay looking good while they remain functional. Commercial roofing and waterproofing contractors in South Florida typically recommend that roofs are inspected and sealed every year.
Roof Type
The fourth factor to consider when determining how often to seal your roof is your type of roof. If you’re considering installing a metal roof, then it is important to use a metal-sealing product like a copper sulfate sealant. However, if you are replacing an old asphalt shingle roof with more advanced types of roofs, proceed with caution and time frame when determining how frequently a new sealing product needs to be applied. A roofing contractor can determine the best time frame for sealant application.
Climate
The final factor to consider when determining how often you should seal your roof is the average climate of your area. In a hotter, more humid environment, you’ll need to seal your roof more frequently because of increased moisture vapor moving through your home’s thermal envelope. If you live in a low-humidity area, then you can probably slow down on the frequency of inspection and re-sealing of roofs sealed with more advanced types of materials.
Don’t let leaks or water stains mar your home’s appearance or put you at risk for costly repairs. Commercial roofing and waterproofing from a reputable company like A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing is the best way to keep your roof protected during cold and icy months, as it prevents ice dams and helps prevent leaks. Get in touch with A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing for a professional roof inspection today!