The lifespan of your home’s roof depends on several factors.

At the top of that list would be the type of roofing material used, and each type would have different lifespans.

For example, asphalt shingles, one of the most affordable roofing materials these days, typically last 15 to 30 years.

For metal roofing, the quality of the material will dictate its longevity. Thinner and cheaper metal roofing can get you anywhere between 20 to 25 years. On the other hand, if you have high-end metal roofing, you can expect it to last up to 70 years.

Then there’s slate, which may be pricier than most roofing materials, but promises that you’ll have an excellent roof for the next 100 years.

Still, whatever the projected lifespans of roofing materials, you need to perform maintenance on your roof to make it last as long as it should.

Here are seven maintenance tips that will ensure your roof lasts as long as promised.

1. Trim Your Trees

There are several benefits to having trees within your property, but there are also drawbacks, especially when they’re too close to your house.

Tree leaves and twigs could accumulate inside your roof’s rain gutter system and cause clogs and water damage. In addition, if you have a tree whose branches extend over your roof, it would only be a matter of time before strong winds break off a rather sizable branch and drop it onto your roof and damage it.

If transplanting trees a bit farther away from the house is not an option, you must trim them regularly. You can also opt to trim them when weather agencies announce that a storm is coming to make sure your roof won’t be at the receiving end of a heavy, damaging tree branch.

2. Keep Rain Gutters Clear of Debris

As mentioned above, tree leaves and twigs often collect in your rain gutters and clog them over time, preventing them from channeling rainwater away from your house through downspouts.

Aside from leaves and twigs, gutters could also end up being blocked by dead animals, bird nests, and other kinds of debris.

To keep your rain gutters from clogging and eventually causing damage to the attic, fascia boards, and to the gutter system itself, clean them at least twice a year.

3. Check Your Roof Regularly

With your roof taking on everything Mother Nature throws at it, it wouldn’t be surprising if some of its shingles eventually end up cracked, curled, broken, blistered, or missing.

A twice-a-year inspection of your roof should keep you on top of any issues with the shingles or the entire roof itself.

With a pair of binoculars, you should have no problem checking every inch of the roof from the ground.

An aerial drone would make the task easier, too, with close-up shots of your roof at that.

Once you spot problems from the ground, you can then call a licensed roofing contractor with proper roofing insurance coverage to fix them.

4. Keep An Eye Out For Leaks and Fix Them Immediately

Even the smallest of leaks on your roof can lead to a huge and more problematic one if you ignore it.

That’s why once you see signs of a roof leak like wet spots on your ceiling or walls, have a professional roofer check the roof for leaks and fix them right away.

5. Shore Up Your Roof

Hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe windstorms are extra tough on any roof.

If you live in a region where these weather conditions are a regular occurrence, it would be best if you do something to fortify your roof.

Some ways to shore up your roof against extreme weather include sealing the decking with special tape or sealant then using ring-shank nails to help the roof deck stay secured to your home. Installing metal flashing on the edges of the roof should also help lock them down.

6. Scrape Snow Off Your Roof

Whatever you do, don’t allow too much snow to accumulate on your roof. The weight alone can bring your roof closer to collapse. You will also have to deal with ice dams if your roof is holding too much snow.

For most homeowners, the rule of thumb is to scrape snow off their roof once it hits six inches in depth. However, some reach for their roof rake way earlier than that, so it’s entirely up to you how often you want to rid your roof of snow.

7. Get A Regular Professional Roof Inspection

We’ve already mentioned checking your roof on this list, but this item requires the help of professional roofing contractors who are much better trained at spotting problems that a typical homeowner might miss, especially if the latter is only using binoculars or a drone to perform the inspection.

So have professional roofers check your roof twice a year, ideally after the end of summer and winter.

With all the hard work your roof is doing for you and your family, the least you can do is give it the attention and care it deserves. You can start by performing the maintenance tasks listed above.

Author Bio:

Rachel Porter is the content specialist for Custom Contractors Insurance, LLC, an Arizona roofing and contractors insurance company. When not writing, she enjoys reading and mountain biking with her friends.