Neglecting to repair a roof is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make. They can be avoided.
These are six tips to prevent roof damage and address small problems before they become major problems.
Make sure to inspect your roof regularly
It is important to inspect your roof every year before and after storm season. Call a professional if you’re not comfortable climbing onto your roof. They have the equipment and experience to inspect your roof thoroughly and safely.
Do it yourself if you are able to inspect for missing, damaged, or sagging shingles, insect/animal activity and leaking light. These are all red flags that need immediate attention.
Get rid of all traces of food and waste
Nobody wants to clean their gutters. Cleaning gutters is tedious, time-consuming and messy. Allowing your roof to drain water properly will prevent more serious problems like water saturation, leaks, and rotting wood and mold growth.
While you are up there, make sure that the fascia, which is the board that holds your gutter, hasn’t been damaged or splintered by wind, water, insects, or other animals. It is an easy way for water intrusion to your home.
Trim Your Trees
Some limbs may be too close to your roof for comfort. You should be concerned if a part of the tree touches or rests on your roof. High winds can cause limbs to swing or fall several feet during storms. You will likely lose some shingles if your roof doesn’t burst.
The trimming of trees can also deter animals from climbing into vents, chimneys, and walls.
Remove All Debris
Although they might seem insignificant, leaves and sticks can trap water, encourage algae growth and cause damage to shingles. It is easy to get rid of them using a roof rake, telescoping pole or other tools.
Inspect and Repair Joints, Seals, and Flashing
Leakage is most likely to occur in joints, seals, flashing, and joints. Punctures and dry sealant are indicators of vulnerability. These are not to be ignored.
It is important to take immediate action when you spot a problem. This will extend the life of your roof. You can prevent a whole host of problems by keeping an eye on your gutters and trees.
You or a professional should inspect your roof at minimum once a year, preferably twice in the fall and spring to make sure that there is no damage to the ground or untrained eyes.
We are available to assist you if you feel unqualified or unsafe performing an inspection.
Check Your Flashing
Roof flashing is the part that seals off the gaps and curves to prevent water from entering your house. Make sure you inspect the flashing when checking your roof.
You should inspect the metal sheets for cracks or rust. You should also look out for areas where the sealant is not working properly or is starting to loosen. To avoid further damage, make sure you immediately correct any flaws in the flashing. Every year, inspect and repair the sealant to ensure that your roof is protected from water leaks.
Wash Your Roof
It is important to regularly clean your roof. Your roof will soon become filthy and have dark, large lines running from the top to the eaves. This is caused by algae growing on the exterior of your home. Although they won’t cause any severe damage, they can eventually lead to roofing damage if left unattended.
To eliminate algae and moss, spray the roof with a 50/50 mixture of water and bleach. Although bleach will easily kill the algae, copper sheets should be added to your roof. Copper particles can be seen escaping from your roof when it rains, which will eliminate any algae that might try to return.
Tips for Choosing a Roofing Company
These are the most important things to remember when looking for a roofing contractor.
No Pressure from a Good Contractor
Before you sign a contract with a contractor, make sure they have assessed the roof damage and given you an estimate of the cost. Don’t let a contractor press you into signing a contract without knowing what you can expect.
Referrals Can Go A Long Way
Are you unsure where to look for a reliable contractor for your roofing requirements? Ask around! Ask around! Check out the reviews of contractors you are considering if you don’t know anyone who has recently had roofing work done. These reviews will give you an idea of what you can expect from them, and will help you select the right contractor.
Organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help prioritize roofing contractors with high scores. Quality is best if a third party reviews the company.
It’s important to be involved and informed
Coordinate with your roofing company once the roofing work has begun to keep you up-to date. For insurance purposes, it is important to keep track of the number and type of workers who will be working on your roof every day. It is important to understand the roofing process so you can keep track of who is working on your roof. While you want the best for your interests, the contractor you choose should be able to keep an eye on what is happening. However, if contractors are not fully informed about the process, they could cut corners.
Keep Your Deductible Safe
When quoting, make sure your contractor includes your insurance deductible. As a homeowner, you are responsible for paying your insurance deductible. Any contractor who claims they won’t have to pay it could be committing insurance fraud. Trustworthy contractors will inform you about the deductible without inflating the cost of your roofing project. You should also negotiate your insurance claim. It is illegal in most states to have an agent act for you when it comes to insurance negotiations.
All Agreements Must Be Written
You should have all agreements in writing, even if you are only having a small job done. You should avoid paying upfront but keep in mind that estimates can change once the contractor is on the roof. A paper trail is helpful for insurance claims and can prevent future problems.
General roof maintenance includes inspections, repairs to the roof, gutter cleaning, and removal of debris. A professional roofing company can help you determine if your roof needs maintenance. They will come out to inspect your roof and give you an estimate.
Your roof is your most important asset. Proper roof maintenance will prolong its life and prevent costly repairs. It’s possible to wonder what kind of roof maintenance you should be doing to keep your job on track. We’ve got you covered. This is a guide that will help beginners learn how to maintain a roof.
Request a Professional Roof Painting Quotation
Quality, you can trust! We use only the best quality paints and equipment to ensure that your roof will be painted to perfection. We also offer a 10-year warranty on all our work.
Red Flags from Nip Roof in the Bud Early
The perfect opportunity for general inspections or repairs is your seasonal roof clearing. It’s easy to see what you should be looking for when you are up there.
Your home is the first place to inspect your roof. Check your attic for signs of water damage due to a roof problem. Are there any ceiling stains in your home? You might have a roof leak if you notice any stains on your ceilings.
The rest of this checklist will help you identify what to look for when inspecting your roof.
You are missing shingles
Loose Shingles
Elevated shingles
Signs of mold or moss
Worn spots
Cracking, peeling, curling or curling shingles
Loose flashing
Loose nails and metal roof bolts
To prevent further damage, make sure you replace any loose flashing or hardware as soon a possible. Displaced shingles could indicate mold growth or water damage underneath your shingles. This situation will need to be addressed immediately.
Your roof may be reaching the end of its life if you see excessive peeling, curling and lifting in shingles. You may need to call a professional roofing company to determine if your roof is in dire need of replacement.
You might want to reconsider your landscaping plans if you see excessive debris. Trees that are taller than your roof may be giving small animals, leaves, and twigs a direct route to your roof. Shade is a good place for mold and moss growth.
Have You Found Any Mold or Moss on Your Roof?
It’s crucial to deal with any moss or mold growth found on your roof after an inspection. Use moss or mold removal to clean the growth areas.
Avoid using power washers and hard-bristle brush because they can remove the UV coating protecting your shingles. Roof pros can help you safely remove moss and mold from your roof by using eco-friendly techniques.
It’s important to maintain your roof
You are always above it. It’s something you don’t think about very often: Your roof.
Your roof protects you from wind, rain and snow as well as heat. Your roof is constantly exposed to weather hazards and other elements. This can lead to damage and deterioration.
Poorly maintained roofs are the main cause of roof problems. It is one of the most important parts of your home and requires regular maintenance. Roofs are the most vulnerable parts of your house. If neglected, they can have a dramatic impact on your roof’s lifespan. Your roof will last between 15 and 30 years if it is maintained properly.
Why is roof maintenance so important? Let’s take a look at the following reasons:
Roof maintenance increases its lifespan.
You roof is exposed to many conditions. It is important to maintain your roof to prevent major damage.
This will also prolong the life of your roof. Roof maintenance can make the difference between a repair or a replacement if there is a problem. It also minimizes future or unexpected costs.
How often should your roof be inspected and maintained. It depends on many factors, including the age of your roof, weather conditions and any issues that were found during previous inspections.
It doesn’t matter if your roof has had no problems in the past, it is still a good idea for it to be inspected every few years.
Your roof adds to your home’s curb appeal.
Your house should look great from the inside out. But people tend to forget about their roof. They don’t think about it because it’s so high up.
Your roof is an important part of your curb appeal that neighbors and people looking to move in your area will notice. A home’s exterior is a key factor in determining whether it sells.
Clogged gutters can block rain and snow from draining properly, potentially causing damage to the landscape.
Roof algae can cause roof damage and prematurely age your roof.
Simple maintenance like roof cleaning and debris removal can fix most of these problems.
Roof maintenance can save you money.
How can roof maintenance actually help you save money? In an emergency, the roofing company is your only option. Do you really want to waste time looking for the lowest price when your walls and floors are being damaged by a leaky roof?