Oftentimes a lot of homeowners, new ones especially, get a new roof installed or work done to their roof and then think that’s it. We all know that roofing is expensive and it truly is a necessary investment. Letting your roof sit until the next time something gets damaged or needs replacing is the quickest way to throw away your investment. If you want to truly get the most out of your investment, you need to go about roofing the correct way.
No matter what type of roof you have, routine maintenance is strongly recommended and can be the difference between getting the full life out of your roof, or having to spend more money on repairs sooner. Today we will be going over some ways to keep your roof maintained to get the most out of your investment.
Roof Inspections
One of the best ways you can make sure your roof is in shape is by having a roof inspection done. We strongly recommend having at least 1 roof inspection done by a professional roofing contractor per year. During these inspections, a professional roofer will be able to tell you the current condition of your roof as well as notice any problems or damage before it gets worse.
Roofing professionals are trained to detect issues that the naked eye will not see. That is why it is important to rely on professionals for your roofing inspections instead of just doing it yourself. Saving a few bucks at the moment may sound great but it may cost you a lot of money down the line. Trust us, it’s not worth it.
Keep Your Roof and Gutters Clean
Another great way to keep your roof in the best condition possible is by making sure it stays clean. It is very important to keep your roof clear of any type of debris as it can pile up and cause damage to your roof over time. This damage occurs because water is not allowed to flow as it normally should resulting in moisture buildup. The trapped moisture can eventually cause leaks or damage your shingles and decking. A clean roof is a long-lasting roof. It’s important to regularly have your roof cleaned, especially after a major storm if you suspect debris.
It is also extremely important to keep your gutters clean. Gutters are an important part of any house and are often overlooked. The gutter’s main purpose is to control/manage where exactly the water runs to after it rains or snows. Since gutters are a series of long and hollow passageways, it is easy for debris such as dirt, leaves, and sticks to get stuck in them. When this debris piles up the water on your roof is not allowed to get to its intended areas and piles up as well.
When gutters do not work the way they are meant to, issues begin to occur. Intense water crashing at the base of your home can eventually cause cracks and other damage to the area. Gutters that are full of debris can detach themselves from your home, damage your shingles, and cause damage to the decking of your roof.
Check Your Roof Vents and Attic
A lot of people tend to neglect their roof vents, but they are very important. Roof vents are designed to let air circulate in your attic allowing it to breathe and minimize the amount of heat that gets trapped up there. In order for roof vents to work properly, it is important that there is nothing blocking your vents or damage to them. A roof inspector will always check your vents to make sure they are functioning properly and damage-free.
It is also very important to check out your attic for any damage to it and the surrounding areas. Things such as hot air being trapped or holes in the roof can cause further damage down the line such as rotted decking, electrical issues, and more. The state of an attic is oftentimes a reflection of the state of the roof. It is crucial that your attic is also checked annually to make sure everything is okay.
Wrapping it up
There is a lot more to roofing than just installing and repairing roofs. In fact, a lot of our calls are for routine inspections. It is important to schedule a roof inspection with a reputable roofing company at least once a year and they will do everything we discussed including checking your attic, vents, and the condition of your current roof.
A roof is an expensive investment and if you want to get the most out of it, regular maintenance is required. When it comes to the world of roofing, you never want to put anything off. Waiting only leads to a bad situation which is damage. We hope that you have a better understanding of what goes into keeping a roof maintained as well as how to get the most out of your investment.
We are here to help!
At Liberty Roofworks we have over two decades worth of professional roofing experience under our belts. Whether you are in need of a routine inspection, repair, or full roof replacement, we have you covered. If you or someone you need are in need of roofing services please contact us and we will be happy to send one of our professional roofers to perform an inspection and let you know what your options are. We understand that roofing can be a stressful thing for some homeowners which is why we are sure to work with all of our clients throughout the entire process and answer any questions they have along the way. Roofing does not have to be stressful with us!
Frequently Asked Roofing Questions
There is a lot to know when dealing with roofing and it’s normal to have some questions. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked along with our answers. We have additional information on various roofing topics on our Learning Hub where we post new roofing content every week. Are your questions still not answered? Please contact us and we would be happy to answer it personally for you.
Q: How long do residential roofs typically last?
A: The age and predicted lifespan of a roof depends on what type of roof it is. In general, most roofs will get at least 20 years out of them and the average lifespan is between 20 and 50 years or so. It’s important to note that some more expensive roof types can last longer, though they are less common. None of these roofs will reach their full potential lifespan without routine maintenance.
Q: Are there any specific maintenance tips for shingle roofs?
A: Yes, it is important to do yearly checks on any shingle roof. It is also important to keep your roof clean of debris and your gutters free from blockage. Any type of water or debris pileup will eventually work its way under your shingles and lead to roof damage.
Q: What do roofers check during a roof inspection?
A: Any professional roofing contractor will do a thorough job when inspecting your roof. They will check your attic, roof vents, and roof decking, as well as remove any large noticeable debris. They will also be sure to check the condition of your shingles, if you have a shingle roof, along with looking for any other visible damage.
Q: What are the benefits of having a roof inspection done?
A: Aside from finding damage before it worsens, there are many other benefits to roof inspections. For one, if you were to experience storm damage the process of filing an insurance claim is much easier when inspections have been done previously. Some other benefits include peace of mind, it protects your roof warranty, and it keeps you and your home safe.
Q: Can I perform my own roof inspection and clean my roof?
A: While it technically is possible, we strongly urge you not to do this work yourself. Not only are you putting yourself in danger, but the work will also most likely not be done properly. It’s no insult to you, but professional roofers are trained in this and know exactly what to look for and how to address it. As a homeowner, if you miss anything during your own inspection it will come back to haunt you financially down the road. It is always best to hire a professional and reputable roofing company when it comes to anything regarding your roof.
Q: How often should I have my gutters cleaned?
A: We strongly suggest having your gutters cleaned out two times a year at the minimum. It may sound excessive, but gutters full of debris can lead to significant roof damage quickly, costing you a lot of extra money. If you live in an area where there is an abundance of trees or an area prone to storms, you may want to increase the number of yearly cleanings you have done.