Taking care of your roof and gutters is a very important task. However, since we do not see the roof every day, it is easy to let time go by without paying much attention to it until there is a problem. If you ask a roof service company what the best way is to take care of your roof, the answer would probably center around maintenance. Here are a few tips to keep your roof in good shape and save you the stress – and expense – of needing emergency roof service or repairs.
Schedule Inspections Regularly
One of the most important steps you can take to keep your roof in good condition is to conduct roof inspections on a regular basis. Ideally, your roof should be inspected twice annually. During the inspection, the roofer will look for areas that might require roofing repair and maintenance. Nails, flashing, roof covering, gutters, and all materials are examined to see if they require roof service or replacement.
Inspect Flashing Carefully
The majority of roof leaks begin when the metal flashing on the roof is damaged or worn away from time. This can occur over time, through wear and tear, and due to the elements. Or, it could have been installed incorrectly. When flashing is not installed correctly on your roof, it allows water to penetrate and this is the beginning of damaging water leaks. Inspecting it carefully will identify problems before they become disastrous headaches.
Check Ventilation and Insulation
Think about what is under your roof. In most homes, this is the attic space. The attic area needs to be examined to make sure that it is properly ventilated. Improper ventilation can result in moisture building up in the attic space. This can cause decay and root rot. Also, an attic that is not insulated properly may be prone to freeze ups, which also cause a lot of damage.
Perform Upkeep On Trees
Common sense tells us that keeping the trees and foliage around the house properly maintained can help prevent branches from falling onto the roof. This is especially true in the winter, when limbs and branches may become coated with ice, and snap because of their heaviness. Also, branches that brush up against the roof may provide a nice, inviting bridge for critters to find their way into your attic or chimney. Finally, branches can dislodge shingles if the wind is strong enough, and this is something you might not be aware of until water damage becomes visible inside your house.
Avoid Property Floods
Keeping the gutters clean and uncluttered will prevent them from overflowing. This is important because if your gutters overflow and flood your property, it can damage your foundation. Clogged gutters also can be the source of a lot of problems-namely, water leaks inside your home. These are very expensive to repair.
It’s good to remember that a professional roofing service may charge between $2000 and $8000 to replace a 2000-2600 square foot roof. (A square is a 10 x 10 ft patch on a roof, and most roofs are of a size that counts around 22 to 26 squares.) The materials alone for the replacement cost between $1000 and $4000. Maintenance and prevention, including inspections, proper ventilation, and the other steps mentioned above, will help preserve the life of your roof. It may also help to avoid needing to schedule work from a roof service provider because of neglect or simply not being aware of these tips for effective upkeep.
