Learn The Basics Of Roof Maintenance

Your roof is your first line of defense, safeguarding you, your loved ones, and your belongings against weather elements. While the roof is made to last, prolonged exposure to adverse weather can lead to wear and tear, leading to potential leaks and damage. Roof maintenance can be a cost-effective solution to restore your existing roof and extend its lifespan without a complete replacement.

Here’s what you need to know about roof maintenance.

Signs Your Roof Needs Maintenance

It’s easy to identify when your roof needs some tender love and care – here are some signs that it might need maintenance:

Visible Damage

Visible damage on the roof, such as cracked tiles, is an obvious sign that the roof surface is worn out. Wear and tear are caused by harsh weather, debris buildup, or pests such as possums. Cracked tiles cause holes in the roof, causing leaks in the house. Roof leaks can cause mold to grow or rot in the home’s interior, which can be costly to manage over time.

Water Damage

A damaged roof surface, such as a missing tile or rusted metal, can form holes that allow water to leak into the house. Your roof may be leaking if you notice ceiling and wall stains, water dripping, mold on walls, and paint blistering. Once you discover any sign of water damage, immediate action is needed to stop further leaks that may degrade your home’s structure.

Roof Color Fading

A faded roof is a clear indication of its condition and age. It shows the coating acting as the roof’s protective barrier has deteriorated, exposing the surface to damage. Fading can be prevented by regular pressure cleaning but if the damage is already done, roof maintenance can be the ideal solution. It gives your home a second chance by restoring its appearance and complementing the exterior.

Roof Age

The lifespan of a roof varies depending on the material, but can range between 20 to 80 years. If your roof is approaching the end of its recommended lifespan, a replacement might be necessary.

Sagging Roofs

Age, water damage, design flaws, and excessive loads may contribute to roof sagging. If your roof is sagging, you’ll notice the ridge of your roof dipping in the middle. You’ll need to consult a professional residential roofer to conduct an inspection and determine the cause.

The Process Of Roof Maintenance

The process of maintaining a roof involves the following steps:

• Roof inspection: Professionals visit the building and conduct a thorough inspection to assess the issues that need to be addressed. Issues such as rust, dents, or bending on metal roofs or broken tiles are some of the damages that roofers look out for.
• Replacements: Any broken shingle or tile is replaced, and water courses are checked to avoid any leakages after the restoration.
• Professional Cleaning: The roof is cleaned to remove years of buildup and grime, revealing the roof’s full potential.
• Replacing the damaged essential parts of the roof: Rusted valley irons are replaced with new ones. They need to be in good condition to direct water falling on the roof into the gutters. Flashings are also checked to prevent leaks by deflecting water away.
• Repointing: The valley, gable, hip, and ridge tiles are checked if still adhering properly in position.
• Cleaning gutters: Gutters are thoroughly cleaned to get rid of debris, dirt, leaves, and rubble.
• Roof-A-Cide: This step is recommended to ensure newly cleaned roof stays clean over time and will avoid cleaning in the future.
• Quality Assurance: After all the work has been done, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that all damages have been taken care of. The experts then help you create a maintenance plan. This plan will include regular cleaning and check-ins every six months or a year, depending on the climate.

Benefits of Roof Maintenance

Here are some key benefits you’ll enjoy if you opt to maintain your roof:

Cost Effective

Roof maintenance is a less expensive alternative compared to other roof processes like a roof replacement. Maintaining requires less labor than when installing a new roof. You get to enjoy the benefits of having a new roof at a subsidized cost. Costs may differ depending on the size of the home and the type of roof you have like shingles, tiles, or metal. Roofers use less material to address damages without replacing a roof, making you pay significantly less.

Extends the Roof’s Lifespan

A roof that is properly maintained can prolong its lifespan by several years. Fixing minor damages and conducting regular maintenance prevents your roof from deteriorating further, increasing its longevity. You get more time to experience a well-functional roof before needing a complete replacement.

Minimal Disruption

Restoring a roof is less disruptive compared to roof replacement which involves tearing down the entire roof structure. Occupants don’t have to seek temporary accommodation when the roof is being worked on. This allows you to keep up with your daily activities hassle-free without any unnecessary disruptions.

Increased Property Value

A successful roof restoration can increase the value of your home by improving its curb appeal. If you’re considering selling out the home, the last thing you want is to turn off a potential buyer with a damaged roof. A regularly maintained roof improves your home’s aesthetics increasing the demand of buyers who may be willing to pay more for the property.

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