Your roof shields your family from rain, snow, heat, and debris. It’s a fundamental component of your home that you can’t live without. Sadly, everyone forgets “the roof over their head” until there’s a problem. Often, it’s when it’s too late! Then you’re stuck with a costly repair or other issues.

Leakages may damage your loft or ceiling and lead to mold growth which can cause health issues for your family. To be on the safe side, inspect your roof frequently and keep up on your maintenance. Here’s roof maintenance 101 – what every homeowner needs to know.

Why is Roof Maintenance Important?

Roof maintenance helps you identify and repair minor and major issues on your roof. A minor issue could slowly turn major if not attended to for long. Here’s why roof maintenance is essential:

Extends the Life of Your Roof

Your roof is part of your biggest investment which is your home. Maintaining it can extend its life and protect your asset. Maintenance also protects you from premature roof replacement, which can be costly.

Provides Damage Control

Most homeowners who don’t check their roofs regularly realize the mess straining at them when it’s too late. Routine maintenance will help you resolve minor problems before they become a threat. Bigger problems translate to higher costs.

Keeps Your Family Safe

Your roof is like a shield that protects your family from falling tree branches, excess moisture, and rain and keeps them safe, healthy, and warm. Regular maintenance ensures that your roof maintains those values.

Saves You Money

Regular roof maintenance might cost you a few bucks, especially if you hire a professional, but you save money in the long run. It could cost you a hundred times more to replace a roof that fell into disrepair! The point is NOT to spend most of your savings on your roof.

Common Roofing Problems

These are not just common roofing problems. They are problems you shouldn’t ignore. Here’s a list of the most common roofing issues likely to hit your home.

  • Water damage
  • Roof leaks
  • Faulty roofing materials
  • Damage from falling tree branches
  • Defective gutters
  • Incorrect roof flashing
  • Improper attic ventilation
  • Rotting roof deck
  • Damaged roof shingles
  • Ventilation issues
  • Strom damage
  • Pest problems

How to Inspect Your Roof

A routine roof inspection is crucial. It helps you identify and resolve most roofing issues. Here’s a guide on how to inspect your roof:

Equip Yourself with Proper Tools

You need the right tools to help you with the inspection. The tools include;

  • Binoculars
  • Pivot ladder
  • Measuring tape
  • Moisture meter
  • Laser pointer
  • Chalk, pen, and paper

Walk Around Your House

Inspect the roof from outside your house by walking around it and making observations. Identify areas with wear and tear or aging. Also, check whether piles of leaves or debris are stuck on the roof. Remember to inspect the roof for curled or bucked singles.

Roof maintenance 101 involves climbing a ladder and checking out your roof.

Climb to the Roof Using the Ladder

After walking around your house, it’s time to get the ladder and climb to the roof. A visual inspection from the top of the roof will help you identify minor issues you didn’t recognize before. It’s not a must to step on the roof, but from the top of the ladder, you can inspect the roof and the gutters.

Inspect the Attic

After checking the roof, it’s time to come down the ladder, walk into your house and climb into the attic. There, you’ll be able to spot damage that you couldn’t from inside. Suppose you see any light coming through the attic, that’s a sign of a hole that could let in water into the attic. Use the chalk to mark around any damaged area. Also, use a moisture meter to know whether there’s been moisture entering your attic.

Hire a Professional for Roof Repairs

If you find any issues on your roof, that would call for repairs. Repairing minor issues by yourself is possible, but hiring a professional company for roof repairs is highly advisable if the damage is extensive. Hiring a professional assures you of a job well done. Professional roofers not only do they have the experience and the expertise to do the job but also use high-quality materials. You also don’t have to worry about safety hazards.

Roof Maintenance Checklist

Aside from maintenance, you must also perform a roof maintenance checklist to increase the roof’s longevity and save you money. Here’s the checklist;

  • Clean the gutters regularly
  • Replace broken shingles
  • Trim your trees
  • Inspect signs of damage inside and outside
  • Reseal around vents and pipes
  • Insulate the attic
  • Check the roof surface
  • Unclog the drains

Maintain Your Roof & Prevent Any Future Damage

Regular roof maintenance is vital to minimize or prevent future damage. There can be many issues on your roof that maintenance will help resolve. Make it a habit to sweep the debris and leaves from the roof and clean the gutters. For professional assistance with your damaged roof, talk to Eagle Watch Roofing. We are the leading roof maintenance company in Georgia. Our skilled team is a call away.

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