10 Roof Maintenance Tips That Save Money and Unnecessary
Headaches
Installing a new roof can be
expensive and it’s usually a major disruption for most Homeowners. That’s why
inexpensive inspections and maintenance on a regular basis make perfect sense. A well designed roof maintenance program
will keep your roof functioning properly, keep your warranties intact, and
ensure that you get the maximum useful life from your roof.
- Inspect the roof on a regular basis:
Inspections are designed to find minor issues before they become major issues. You
should schedule inspections before or after seasonal changes and after major
storms. A proper inspection will always include looking in the attic for leaks.
- Keep your roof free and clear of debris:
minor debris such as leaves, small limbs, and sticks can damage your roof,
prevent proper drainage, encourage algae & moss growth, and encourage wood
rot.
- Inspect / repair seals, joints, and flashing:
These are the most frequent spots for leaks and should be regularly inspected
for damage. Flashing covers entry points into your roof including the vents,
exhaust pipe, and chimney, and it’s often a hotspot for leaks. Look for rust, cracks,
and dried out or loose sealant.
- Repair problems quickly: Roof problems
don’t go away, they just get worse with time and more expensive to fix.
- Keep your gutters clear: Gutters are a
critical, but often overlooked, part of your roofing system. They allow for the
proper drainage that’s necessary for the roof to function properly. When
gutters back up, serious water damage and ice damming can occur.
- Trim trees away from the roof:
Tree limbs hanging down over your roof, or even on it can be a serious hazard.
Not only do they put you at risk for broken limbs falling on the roof, they can
wear down and damage shingles. Tree limbs can also encourage squirrels and
raccoons to gain access to your home. Keep in mind that they may be closer to
your home than you think: tree limbs are often flexible and can swing several
feet during a storm.
- Look for signs of animal and insect damage:
Rodents, birds, bats, and bees can cause serious damage to your roof if they
decide to make it their home. Inspecting for intrusions can prevent major damage
and/or infestations.
- If you live in area that experience it, clear heavy snow as
quickly as possible: Heavy snow accumulation can cause a
roof collapse. If your roof is not shedding snow quickly enough, hire a
professional to remove it.
- Avoid harsh cleaning methods:
Roofs throughout 80% of the US experience discoloration due to algae growth.
And while a clean roof looks MUCH better than a stained roof, harsh cleaning
methods or repeated cleaning often do more harm than good. NEVER allow high-strength chlorine bleach to be used on your roof. Roof
Cleaning should always be done by a trained professional and should always be
done in conjunction with a proper roof inspection.
- Document your repairs and maintenance:
This will help you keep track of your expenses as well as provide you with the
proper documentation you may need in the case of a warranty or insurance claim.
With proper maintenance, you
can maximize the life of your roof while minimizing the overall cost. This will
allow you to save money and avoid unexpected emergencies while keeping your home
and family protected.
For best results, consider our
very affordable Roof Inspection & Tune Up program. Our Roofing Professionals
are trained to address all of these items and more. And if you’re in need of
major repairs or roof replacement, our team is licensed, insured, & qualified
to handle these - and we’re certified to offer the best warranties in the
business.
Jaco Contracting is a Licensed
General Contractor and Roofing Experts. We provide a range of home improvement
services in the Metro Atlanta area including roofing, custom home builds, water
and fire mitigation, siding, gutters, remodels, and many more!
JACO Contracting Inc.
1094B Access Rd
Covington, GA 30014
Office: (770) 385-5788
Jaco Contracting is an Authorized Roof-A-Cide® Applicator
