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Don’t let little leaks become big roof replacements
Read on…
Did you know that regular roof maintenance can save you lots of money in the long run? Sometimes homeowners want to avoid the expense of maintenance or don’t have the time, but the truth is, maintenance is cheaper and easier than the hassle of replacing your roof, which can cost up to $12,000.
The roof is your first line of defense against weather elements, such as rain and sun. Therefore, it calls for as much or more maintenance than any other component of your house. However, many of us are so negligent that we don’t routinely inspect and maintain our roof to extend its life expectancy.
Regular roof maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs in the long run. With regular maintenance, you will be able to identify leaks before they grow into big problems that will cost you a fortune to resolve. Regular maintenance also helps to uphold the structural stability of your roof, ensuring that you get the best level of protection against various elements.
That said, let’s have a detailed look at various aspects of regular roof maintenance.
Regular Roof Inspections
It is imperative that you inspect your roof on a regular basis for potential flaws or damage. You can do that with the help of a roofing specialist Perth service provider. You don’t want to identify a problem on your roof when it is too late and the issue has grown beyond a simple maintenance fix.
We recommend inspecting your roof at least twice a year. This simple task will really extend your roof’s lifespan and significantly lower the costs of roof replacement.
With semi-annual inspections, you will be able to identify any damages on the roof that have occurred due to weather changes or other elements that might have compromised the surface coating.
When inspecting your roof, you should look out for wear and tear, leaks, and improper insulation. You should also check for rust, algae or fungus growth, as well as pieces of shingle on the ground after storms.
Trees & Gutters
Don’t ignore any tree branches hanging down over your roof. You don’t want broken branches falling on your roof, wearing down and damaging roof tiles. This can potentially cause costly damages to your property and injuries to residents. Moreover, tree branches can help rodents to get into your home.
Keep in mind that some branches are so flexible that they can swing several meters during a storm. You should therefore also be careful with branches that are a few feet from your house. Trim any tree limbs that overhang your home to stop problems before they start.
Leaves and twigs can also clog your gutters, leading to water leaks in your attic and other parts of your home. Clogging undermines the free flow of water away from your house, so it is imperative that you inspect your downspouts and gutters for any defects.
Maintain Seals, Joints & Flashing
Seals, joints, and flashing are the most common areas for leaks. Therefore, you should inspect them on a regular basis for defects.
Flashing covers entry points into the roof, which include the exhaust pipe, the vents, and chimney. It is prone to leaks. While inspecting these areas, you should look out for bending, punctures, and dried out or loose sealant. If there are any leaks, consult a professional to have them repaired.
Make sure your roof is properly insulated and ventilated. This is one of the biggest precautionary measures you can take to extend your roof’s lifespan. Proper ventilation prevents the accumulation of moisture and heat in the attic, which leads to roof rot and cracked tiles, reducing the insulation capacity of the roof. And a poorly ventilated attic is one of the major causes of ice dams.
Look Out for Warning Signs
There are several warning signs that tell you it’s time to make some repairs to your roof. Here are some of the major signs:
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Tiles
Pay close attention to the look of the shingles on your roof. If the tiles are cracked, then it’s time to replace them. Check if there are any roof tiles that are not in good shape and have them fixed before the cold season arrives. These defects in your roof tiles can allow moisture to seep through the roof into the interior of your house, leading to bigger problems such as structural instability. -
The Roof Has Dark Streaks on It
Dark streaks normally appear when airborne algae stick to your roof over time. While the streaks are not necessarily harmful to your roof, they can be unsightly. Take some bleach and water and treat the stained spots. Then rinse off the mixture gently using a low-pressure garden hose. -
Moss
While it is normal to have moss around a home, you should be worried when it starts sprouting from your roof. Moss shows the presence of moisture in your roof, which is an indication of rotting beneath the tiles. In that case, you have to remove the tiles in that area and replace the rotten boards or plywood beneath it. If the roof has reached the point of sagging, it indicates significant structural damage. This problem needs to be resolved professionally to uphold personal safety. -
Inside Problems
Inspect your roof from the inside. Check under the attic for light penetrating in and for stains indicating leaks. Feel around for water. Is the insulation damp? If so, then your roof is leaking. Once you’re finished with the attic, inspect the ceiling and upper parts of the walls for bubbles or discoloration. This indicates that water is somehow getting in. If you see signs of a leak but can’t find the leaking area, consider getting the services of a roofs repair Perth professional. -
Your Roof Is Old
If you have had the same roof for decades, it could be on the verge of collapse. Replacing the entire roof is something many homeowners aren’t ready to do, but you should conduct an inspection, or hire a roof repairs Perth service provider and see how bad things really are. You might have to replace the roof entirely if the damage is extensive and severe. When you are pondering whether to just repair your roof or replace it altogether, one of the first things you should consider is the shelf life of your roofing material. Here are the most common types of roof materials:- Wood shakes
- Asphalt shingles
- Cedar shingles
- Slate and tile shingles
- Flat roofs
- Metal roofs
Leave It to the Professionals
When it comes to roofing inspections and maintenance, it advisable to work with reputable roofing professionals who are familiar with the type of roof you have on your house. Different types of roofs have different needs, which require different repair and maintenance procedures. It is important that these procedures are only undertaken by a qualified roof plumber and maintenance professional.
For example, repairing EPDM roof systems with asphalt products can potentially destroy the membranes. This may result in problems with your roof that can even void the warranty. That’s why it is important to have a reputable roofing specialist do the necessary repairs to your roof.
In fact, you should avoid repairing or replacing the roof on your own, unless you are a qualified roofing specialist yourself. Hiring a Roofing Specialist Perth company for your roof maintenance may cost you extra in terms of labor, but you can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time.
Bottom Line
Roof maintenance is an essential routine activity. It doesn’t matter whether your home is still fairly new or several decades old. Major roof problems such as leaks, interior water damage, and missing tiles are caused largely by minor problems that have been ignored over time.
The most effective solution for the major problems is complete roof replacement, which can be very expensive. But minor problems require simple and cheap repairs. You can identify these minor problems through regular roof maintenance, which should be done at least twice a year.
Maintenance will prevent future repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof, saving you lots of money in the long run. And it is advisable to have the maintenance and repairs done by a qualified roofing specialist.