Not everyone sees the need to call a roofing contractor for a maintenance job. This is because many people don’t know that roofs need proper maintenance, just like their cars. Hence, they leave their homes in a poor state until they are forced to do expensive repairs.
Regular professional roof inspection and maintenance can protect your investment in major ways. Ask any professional roofing company, and they will tell you just how much you need to keep your home in the best conditions.
But what is roof maintenance? And what does it do? Read this guide to learn more and keep your roofs in the best condition.
What is Roof Maintenance?
You may have come across this term in many terms. Or perhaps someone had mentioned it while offering roof repair services. Well, roof maintenance is just that – maintaining your roof and keeping it operational.
Roof maintenance involves periodic inspections of the roof, ensuring it remains in the best conditions possible. You check all vulnerable areas on your roof that could be vulnerable to potential problems like leaks.
Whether you have a residential or commercial roof, annual, biannual, or quarterly maintenance is extremely crucial. It can save you from huge roof replacement costs when the roof is severely damaged.
You can do regular maintenance checks yourself. All you may need is a ladder, and then check for any signs of cracks on your roof. Ensure every part of the roof is covered if you want the best results.
If you are not sure what to do, consider contacting your local roofing contractor for the job. Certain areas may need deeper scrutiny; only a professional service provider knows this.
What Does Roof Maintenance Do?
The roof protects you from external elements, making your life extremely hard. Some of these threats can force you to have the roof replaced before its lifespan expires.
Routine maintenance can be the best way to ensure this does not happen. Companies offering such roofing services recommend the best practices for homeowners to keep their roofs clean.
So, what does a roof inspector do? Here is a list of things they will check during a regular maintenance job:
Check cracks and wear on pipe boots
Roof inspections can highlight cracks and wear in pipes passing through the roof. This is crucial, especially for aging roofs where leakages can cause costly repairs. You need seasonal roof care because it allows you to identify simple issues before they become real.
Check roof aging
Shingle roofs can last for 15 to 25 years. But you may start noticing loose shingles when the roof is only ten years old. Then, it’s just a matter of time before the entire roof falls down. A professional roofer offering maintenance services can recommend preventative measures to ensure the roof is safe. And if they notice any issues, repairing them is much easier.
Reinforcement
Loose nails, loose shingles, and similar issues can adversely affect your roof’s integrity. They can easily lead to expensive repairs if you don’t deal with them in good time. But you can only do so if you can identify the problem early, which comes from regular inspections.
Prevent damages from severe weather conditions
Low-hanging branches are a time bomb to your roof’s safety. They can fall anytime when the strong winds hit. Roof inspectors trim branches, creating better sun exposure for your roof. They can also check for possible ice dams during winter, ensuring your roof can withstand the strain.
Clear the roof and debris removal
Mold growth is a huge threat, even to a new roof. It happens when you don’t remove debris from the roof, letting it mix with moisture. Your roof can face extensive damage without your knowledge, forcing you to waste a lot of money. But you can avoid all with regular maintenance services. It is all about identifying and dealing with the problem in good time.
Repairs after damages
There is a lot you may have to do after storm damage. Sometimes everything seems normal on the roof until you start noticing minor leaks after a while. Storms can damage shingles on your roof in mild ways that only grow worse with time. A roof inspector can help you identify and fix the damages quickly.
Check for pests and animal intrusions
Most homeowners wait until there is severe damage to their house before they make a move. This leaves dirt that covers the roof, creating the perfect environment for pests and animal intrusions. You may not realize that such issues affect even your home’s foundation. Mold removal is one way of ensuring this does not happen. It will keep your roof and gutters clean, preventing any intrusion.
Check ventilation issues
Ventilations check is an essential part of any roof inspection. Vents are one of the most vulnerable areas that face major damage. The effect can extend to your roof and other parts of the house. Regular inspections ensure your roof is in good shape at all times.
Check chimney integrity
It is crucial that you inspect your attic and chimney. It’s very easy for these areas to be affected by water damage. You will check on the day and realize algae is growing everywhere. Let your local roofing professional keep you safe from any potential disaster.
How to Do a Roof Maintenance Check
Now that you know the importance of roof maintenance, it’s crucial to also learn how to achieve this task if you choose a DIY. We have broken the task into the simplest steps:
Get the tools together
Before engaging in any roof repair task, it is crucial that you gather all your tools. The last thing you want to climb down all the time because you forgot one of two things. You need to draw a clear roof maintenance checklist too. This will help you have a good plan and finish the project in good time.
You will need the following:
- A ladder
- Perhaps a hammer
- Safety gear
Set the ladder safely and climb carefully
Once you have all the tools in place, it’s time to climb up and check your roof. This may seem like a simple task, but it’s not. We have mentioned it here because it’s crucial for your safety. Many roof repairs have ended up badly when homeowners neglect safety precautions.
Check your roof
Check for:
- Water stains
- Broken/missing shingles
- Dirt and debris
- Loose shingles
- A sink on the roof deck
These are just a few things to check when you get on the roof. Parts like the chimneys and ventilations can be left to professionals.
A professional will immediately recommend a roof repair job if part of the roof is severely damaged. And if the damage is beyond repair, a full roof replacement may be necessary. The last thing you want is to live under a clearly compromised roof.
Call and professional roofer
If you notice obvious damage to your shingle roof, consider calling an expert roofer to take a look. A full inspection may be necessary under such circumstances. Trusting a professional for your regular roof maintenance needs could save you a lot of money too. Some roofers offer free inspections and charge only when they discover issues.
Why You Need a Professional Roof Inspection
You may have thought about DIY roof inspections and maintenance. Whereas it can save you some money, it might not be the best path to follow. An experienced roofer could offer more than just identifying the roofing problems.
Dealing with hanging tree branches, aging roof materials, and overhanging branches during high winds is not easy. You need a roof inspection early enough to detect the problems. And an experienced roofer can give you that.
Their benefits include:
- They are experienced and will know how to deal with any arising issues.
- They have the best tools for the job, ensuring efficiency and safety.
- It could be more cost-effective when you don’t need to buy any extra tools.
If you need high-end roof maintenance services, trust Vista Roofing; you will never regret it. The company has offered expert roofing services for many years, focusing on customer satisfaction.