Roof Repair And Maintenance Tips
How long your roofing lasts will depend largely on three major factors. The first two are quality of materials used and a proper installation job. But the third factor determining roof longevity is maintenance and timely roof repair.
In Central Florida, where frequent rains, seasonal tropical storms and hurricanes, wind and thunderstorms, tornadoes, and high summer heat can all combine to put a strain on your roofing, it’s especially critical to keep a good eye on your roof and properly maintain it.Here are the 4 most important aspects of roof repair and maintenance that home and business owners need to know about:
1. Regular Roof Inspections
It’s really best to get two roof inspections per year. In northerly climes, you would have the roof inspected just before and just after winter; in Florida, an inspection just prior to and immediately following hurricane season is advisable.
At minimum, you should inspect your roof once a year. You can do it yourself if you have the right equipment and are comfortable walking on a roof – but for many, it’s much safer to hire a professional contractor for the inspection. Plus, a professional roofer is going to have “an eye” for potential problems that he deals with all the time and may catch issues you might have overlooked.
2. Annual Maintenance
Aside from roof inspections, you also need to provide for an annual “clean up” of your roof. If you don’t want to go up on a ladder or walk on your roof top, you could hire a local kid or company to take care of it for you.
It’s important to sweep off the cobwebs, sticks, leaves, and debris and to ensure your vents are all free and clear. Gutters and downspouts should be emptied of debris and shingle particles and rinsed clean. And if any branches from nearby trees are hanging over your roof or too close to power lines, it’s best to have a tree trimmer come and remove the danger.
3. Timely Roof Repairs
When you discover a problem with your roof or if a contractor does during an inspection, you should waste no time in getting a roof repair. Some home maintenance jobs can wait, but roofing cannot. Too much depends on it.
Some of the most common roof repairs you might spot include:
- Shingles that are loose, curled, warped, cracked, or blown off.
- Shingles dented from a hail storm. Even small, seemingly harmless dents can greatly weaken shingles.
- Flashing that is loose, bent, dinged, rusted, or blown off. Or, if caulk or tar has cracked or eroded around flashing or around vents or a chimney, then the water can still get in.
- Noticeable punctures or holes in your roofing.
- Actual leaks. If you notice water stains on your ceiling, there’s a good chance you need a roof repair. As roof leaks don’t always drip straight down, they can be difficult to locate, but a professional will know how.
4. Scheduled Roof Replacement
It’s also important to be aware of the likely lifespan of your roofing and to begin to save up for the eventuality of roofing replacement. If you continually make roof repairs, the roofing is very old, or if it was incorrectly installed, it may be time for new roofing.For more information on how to maximize the life of your roof in Florida, contact Sheegog Contracting today!
