Every homeowner knows that the roof is one of the most expensive items to replace in a home after patios and ultradecks. This is due not only to the roof’s size but to the fact that without it the home would simply not function. A roof gives you and your loved ones protection from the elements and from creatures that should not share your home with you. To keep your roof working as it should for years to come and avoid needing a full roof replacement, you should have a roof maintenance checklist and closely follow it. To get you started, here is a five-step plan.
Conduct a Visual Inspection
At least once a year, make a visual inspection of your roof. Become familiar with your roof’s look so that you may notice when something is not as it should be. Look for signs of damage or weathering. There should never be spots where water is gathering. Note if there are any breaks, tears, bald spots, or scratches. Check to see that all shingles are uniform and there are no missing, loose, or damaged pieces. Note as well if there is fungus or mold growing on your roof. Any of these issues should have you calling your roofing contractor to prevent the problem from growing.
Check for Garbage
Your roof should be clean, as should your gutters. Leaves and other debris that clog gutters will end up damaging the roof as well, causing it to decay or rot prematurely. Fallen tree branches can harm the top layer of your roof causing granules to fall off the shingles and shorten their life. If nearby trees are responsible for these issues, it may be time to schedule a tree trimming session with lawnmowers.
Check Structural Components
If your home has items such as bay windows, fireplaces, vents, or other outdoor structures, make them part of your roof inspection checklist. Note if they are clean, if their paint is peeling, or if they show signs of rust or unwanted growths. These are signs that there is an issue with your roof.
Do an Indoor Check
Signs of roof damage may manifest indoors. Moisture from the roof can run down walls, causing structural problems and mold within the home, which is sometimes confused with plumbing leaks. Go to your attic during a sunny day and, without turning on the light, check if there is any sunlight pouring in. That is a sign that there is a hole in your roof. Use a flashlight to check every spot of the roof and tap distant areas with a broomstick to see if they are spongy and wet.
Be Vigilant of Old Repairs
If you were told that certain areas of the roof had just been patched or repaired when you purchased the home, or if you have had to repair certain areas, be particularly careful with them. In many cases, these old repair jobs turn out to be ticking time bombs if they were not done properly.
Finding any of the issues described above while doing a regular roof maintenance checkup is cause for concern. The roofing professionals at jacksoncontractingsite.com recommend you go online to learn about issues related to your roof and actions that may be taken to fix them. Your roof is very valuable, so take the time to keep it functioning and looking as it should.
