Installing a new roof can be an exciting time. Not only do you get to enjoy a house that will look brand new, but you also get the confidence that you won't need to worry about roofing repairs for many years. Unfortunately, this honeymoon period won't last forever. As your roof enters middle age and beyond, you will inevitably face more repairs. 

Luckily, these repairs don't necessarily mean an expensive replacement is on the horizon. In fact, promptly repairing problems can extend the life of your roof by helping you avoid more costly and severe damage. If you want to avoid installing a new roof for as long as possible, you shouldn't delay these three repairs whenever your roof requires them.

1. Secure Curling Shingle Edges

Shingle curling is one of the surest signs of a roof beginning to enter the end of its usable lifespan. Very old asphalt roofing often has more curled shingles than straight ones, creating an ugly appearance and reducing the roof's ability to shed water. This latter point is particularly important since curled shingles let water seep through the underlayment and into the more vulnerable decking.

While shingle curling is mostly inevitable, you can help slow the process by repairing your shingles when you first notice this problem. Typical solutions include nailing down the affected area and using roofing adhesive or caulk to secure it. A skilled roofer can quickly repair numerous curled shingles, allowing you to keep your roof watertight for a few more years.

2. Seal or Replace Cracked Shingles

Cracking usually occurs due to physical damage rather than age or normal wear and tear. Although asphalt shingles are relatively flexible and durable, impacts from hail, wind-driven branches, or other debris can break your shingles. Cracking may even be more common on newer shingles since older shingles are more likely to break loose when hit with similar impacts.

Cracks aren't always a severe problem, but it is important to repair them to stop water leaking through the damaged shingles. Repairing a cracked shingle may require replacing the entire piece or, for minor cracks, may only require a quick patch with some roofing sealant. A professional roofer can help you evaluate your cracked shingles and determine the best long-term solution.

3. Address Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common and incredibly damaging issue on many residential roofs. Ice dams occur when snow melts on one part of the roof, but refreezes before dripping off the edge. As the water refreezes, it forms a dam that prevents additional water from reaching the gutters. This water will instead pool near the dam, creating more ice and eventually dripping into your home.

Ice dams usually form due to roof ventilation issues, which can be incredibly damaging. In a worst-case scenario, ice dams can destroy a roof (and cause serious interior leaks) by completely blocking up effective drainage. If you know your roof has an ice dam problem, addressing the issue may be one of the most important things you can do to make your roof last for many more years.

Contact a local roof repair contractor to learn more.