If your home has asphalt or wood roofing shingles, there are several commonsense maintenance tasks you can perform in order to achieve the longest possible lifespan from them.
When your home has an asphalt-shingled roof, keep an eye on the condition of your shingles by performing a visual inspection every year. Look for shingles that are worn and need replacing. A common sign that a shingle is nearing the end of its usable life is if most of the granulated surface texture is worn off. Shingles like this will appear shiny and smooth. Try to replace them as soon as possible.
If any one of your Mount Pleasant roofing shingles is torn, peeling or curled, you will need to address this kind of situation as soon as possible, too. In many cases, a damaged shingle can be repaired without the need for replacement. For minor damage, like curling, apply a small amount of roofing cement under the damaged area and press it back down. If the shingle is torn, apply the roofing cement, then drive a few roofing nails into the torn edges of the shingle. It is also a good idea to cover the nail heads with a dab or two of roofing cement when you are finished.
When it comes to wood-shingled roofing, the major risk factor is trapped moisture.