2 Things A Professional Can Do During Installation To Help Extend The Life Of Your Home's New Shingled Roof
When you have a new shingled roof installed on your home, you hope that it will last for years. While you know that there is always the chance that unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather will cause damage, you may wonder if anything can be done to help strengthen the roof itself so that it can withstand the elements and last as long as possible.
Fortunately, there are things that can be done during the roof's installation that can help. Below are a couple of these options that a roofing professional may offer which can help to extend the life of your home's new shingled roof.
1. Use Plywood Instead of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) For the Roof's Decking
One thing that a roofing professional can do during installation to help give the shingles a stronger base is to use plywood instead of OSB for the roof's decking. The strength of the decking is important because it gives the roof its shape and stability.
Made from leftover wood scraps held together with a resin mixture, OSB tends to swell when wet and does not hold fasteners tight enough to last through years of high winds. However, when plywood is used, it gives the shingles a better foundation that keeps its shape and grips fasteners such as nails and screws longer than OSB.
2. Apply a Polyurethane Coating over the Surface of the Roof to Protect the Shingles
Another option that can help extend the life of your home's shingled roof is having the roofer apply a polyurethane coating over the surface of the shingles to protect them. When this coating is applied, it fills in any cracks and gaps between the shingles as well as seals their surfaces.
Because the coating reflects ultraviolet rays, it helps to keep the shingles from drying out over years of exposure to direct sunlight. It also provides an extra barrier against moisture and impact that can help prolong the life of the shingles.
Using the more durable plywood for the roof's decking over OSB and applying a polyurethane coating to protect the shingles from harsh weather conditions and intense sunlight can help strengthen the roof when it is installed. There are other options that a roofing professional may offer to help extend the life of the roof, such as installing roof vents for ventilation and using a synthetic underlayment. To discuss these and other options before the new roof is installed, contact a business that offers roofing services in your area to make an appointment today.
