How Often Should I Seal My Roof

Orlando Roof Sealing

Roof sealing is a vital part of protecting your roof from the elements and extending its lifespan as much as possible. Generally, a good quality roof can be expected to last for up to 20 years, but wind, sun and heat can all damage your roof over time and drastically reduce this lifespan. In fact, roof sealing is an excellent choice to extend the length of time that your roof looks amazing and can lessen the number of repairs that your roof may need over the years. Deciding how often to seal your roof is not always easy, but there are a few simple guidelines and tips that can make planning your next roof sealing appointment much easier. The type of roof you have, your local climate, the age of your roof and your current maintenance habits all play a key role in determining how often you should seal your roof.

Roof Style

For homes with a flat roof, regular roof sealing is absolutely crucial. A flat roof does not allow water to simply run off the surface and into rain gutters, which means that the surface has to be perfectly waterproof in order to prevent leakage of water into the building. Although leaks may be small at first, any kind of leak is a recipe for disaster and has to be dealt with right away. A small leak can occur even through the finest cracks in the roof surface. A flat roof that is left unprotected can have its lifespan reduced by up to fifty percent. Luckily, roof sealing is a simple process for a professional roofing company and having your flat roof sealed every year is your best bet for a long-lasting roof. At the very least, a flat roof should be inspected for cracks at least once per year.

Homes with a sloped roof are also excellent candidates for roof sealing since it can protect the shingles, tiles or metal from environmental damage and prolong the overall lifespan. However, sealing a sloped roof does not need to happen as often because water is less likely to build up when the roof is sloped downward. The sealant can wear off gradually over time, which is why having your sloped roof resealed every two to three years is ideal.

Your Local Climate

Of course, harsher climates call for more frequent roof sealing because rough weather can break down the sealant much faster than a climate without intense sun, rain or heat. In windy climates, it is not uncommon for branches and other debris to be blown onto a roof where they can scratch or otherwise damage the sealer on the roof. Flat roofs are especially prone to this type of damage, since the debris is less likely to fall off the roof on its own. Intense rain can also wear down the sealer, so climates where heavy rain is common should consider having their roofs inspected to see if more frequent roof sealing would be beneficial. During periods of intense sun and heat exposure, sealant can expand and contract due to the temperature and UV rays, which will also break down the sealant more quickly. In a hot, humid and sunny climate like Florida, rain can happen every few days between periods of intense sunshine, so sealer really takes a beating. Not only are heat, sunshine and humidity damaging the sealer, but repetitive cycles of rain and drying by the sun can cause sealer to need frequent recoating.

Roof Condition

Perhaps your roof was not sealed or cleaned for the first few years after it was installed. Although the roof is quite resilient while new, a few years of neglect can cause a fair bit of damage and make sealing more difficult. Damage creates larger pores in the roofing surface and may require more sealer to effectively protect the roof. Damage can also create more rough edges that are worn down by the elements faster than a new roof would be. Therefore, if your roof was in rough shape the first time that it was sealed, then having the roof sealed more often than recommended is a good idea to prevent any further damage to the roof. Roofs that have received regular cleanings tend to require less frequent resealing since the roof will be in better condition to start with.

Overall, roof sealing is a very important part of keeping your home in great shape. Homes with flat roofing need to be especially vigilant about having the roof inspected and resealed on a regular basis and once per year is recommended. Sloped roofs are more resilient since water is not allowed to pool, so they can be resealed every two to three years. Being mindful of how your roof is exposed to the elements is key to deciding when to have the roof resealed. A roof that endures a great deal of sunlight and rain will need more maintenance that a roof from a cloudy, cool climate. Also, hiring a professional ensures that the sealing is done according to the most stringent level of quality so that spots aren’t missed or lacking sealer.

We offer free roof cleaning estimates! Give us a call at 407.877.3210 or contact us online here.