Asphalt shingle roofing is durable enough to last for many years, but if you want a long life from your shingles, you need to maintain them properly. Here are three important tips for asphalt shingle maintenance.

1. Check Your Roof Regularly For Damage

Since you may not be able to see your entire roof from the ground as you go about your usual activities, make it a point to check your roof as best as you can with the change of seasons and after a storm. You can usually do this from inside your attic or from the ground with binoculars or a drone.

Look for changes to shingles, moss growth on the roof, and gaps in flashing. If you see any damage, even if your roof isn't leaking yet, call a roofing contractor to check your roof and make repairs if they're needed. Prompt, early repairs can save your roof from damage and help you get the longest life possible from your shingles.

2. Keep Trees And Animals Away From Your Roof

Try to keep anything from contacting your roof so damage can be avoided. Trees can scrape the roof and loosen shingles, and the branches provide a road for rats and other animals to get on the roof. Even birds can damage your roof, so try not to encourage wildlife to hang around close to your house.

Keep people off your roof, too, because foot traffic can wear away the granules that protect the shingles. You may never need to go on your roof unless leaf clumps get stuck or your shingles are damaged, and in that case, you can hire a roofer to climb up and make repairs so your shingles aren't harmed and you don't risk injury.

3. Ensure Rain Drains Away From Your Roof

If your gutters get clogged up, rain and snow can get under the shingles and slowly cause water damage. If you have problems with ice dams in the winter and your gutters are clear, the problem might be poor attic ventilation. Your attic needs adequate ventilation to keep heat from building up inside that makes your roof too warm. This happens even in the winter, and it can lead to roof damage.

Ice dams and curled shingles are signs you may need to talk to a roofer about improving attic ventilation. If water, snow, or ice gets under the shingles due to poor ventilation or backed-up gutters, your roofer may need to repair the water damage or replace shingles so your roof doesn't start leaking.

For additional information, reach out to a company like Par One Construction, Inc.