A roof is an invaluable part of your home. Too often, once a new roof has been installed, home owners disreguard it. Many speculate that maintenance is not essential on a roof - yet nothing could be further from the truth. You need to inspect this part of your home at minimum once a year to look for any possible problems. Check for problems generally associated to the type of roofing material used.
Although it is imperative to inspect your roof annually and make any required repairs, safety ought to be your number one concern. If you feel awkward doing this job, call a roofing contractor in to manage it. Don’t put home roofing maintenance off though, as your roof and or your home may be ruined if problems are left uncorrected.
When a problem does occur with a roof, it is most often found in certain locations. Metal flashing, used to cover gaps in your roof plane, often develops problems. It is found around areas like dormers, chimneys, and vent pipes. Leaks or rust may occur, and allow water to build up, or even run into your home. Other troublesome areas include seams and joints where roofing materials meet - so be sure to check these areas of concern completely.
Each type of roofing material tends to develop its own set of issues. Asphalt shingles contain granules. If you observe a lot of these asphalt granules in your gutter, this is an indication that your roof is aging, and may need to be replaced soon. Shingles may also display signs of warping or tearing, or have bare spots. And cedar shake roofing may display signs of dry rot. If these problems only affect a minor area, they can be repaired. But if a large area is affected, then you’ll have to replace the full roof.
Metal roofing material is designed to last 50 years or more, but it still may suffer from rusting, corrosion, or pitting. Also look for open or loose joints and seams, as they are signs of a bigger problem. Clay tiles, slate, and asbestos shingles will last a lifetime if cared for, but small problems like chipped, broken or missing pieces need to be replaced right away.
When performing home roofing maintenance, don’t forget to be exceedingly careful. Walking around on a roof can be risky, especially if the roof is showing signs of damage. You can perform your annual inspection with a pair of binoculars, but if you do see signs of damage, a trip to the top of your home may still be required. And don’t overlook eaves, underhangs, and gutters at some point in your inspection, as they are a critical part of roof.