We are constantly told by our doctors about the importance of annual physicals, flu shots, vaccinations, and regular checkups. Preventative care is just as important for our health as it is for the roof of our house. Just like our bodies, your regular home roof maintenance to stay efficient and functional.
Your roof protects you from the elements such as wind, rain, snow, and heat. Every day, your roof is exposed to weather and other elements, which all contribute to its damage and deterioration.
Home Roof Maintenance is the routine inspection of all vulnerable areas on a roof that may cause a problem.
Roof problems are commonly caused by two factors:
1.) Poorly Maintained Roof
Performing a roof assessment every couple of years can help you determine if your roof needs any sort of repairs. If you wait too long to inspect your roof, you may be shocked to realize the damage that could have been avoided if minor repairs have been completed earlier.
As one of the largest parts of your home, the roof requires routine inspection, repair, and maintenance
With regular maintenance, your roof can last an average of 25 years to 30 years
The roof of your house protects you from the outdoors. It performs an important function on which you rely. If you don’t take care of your roof, you can’t expect it to take care of you in return.
Reasons Why Routine Home Roof Maintenance is Important.
1. Increases the Lifespan of the Roof and Prevents Early Roof Replacement.
Think about a car for a moment. Maintenance will be necessary throughout that car’s life to keep it running smoothly. It will help the car to last as long as possible and be in optimal condition.
Your roof is just the same. Regular maintenance and inspections will ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible.
Your roof will need to be replaced much sooner than expected if minor problems are not addressed then and there. Simple things like keeping your drainage system clean can go a long way toward ensuring your roof continues to function properly.
While a roof repair or replacement will be required at some point, regular maintenance can extend the time frame in which this will be required.
Apart from roof maintenance, you should get it professionally inspected by a roofing professional every two years.
2. Helps Catch Future Problems and Prevent Them
A minor problem neglected by you can quickly become a major problem in a year or two or even within six months.
For example, if they find a crack in a pipe boot, the repair is simple and inexpensive. However, if it is not caught because you didn’t perform regular roof maintenance, it can cause $300, $400, or even $500 in damage to your ceiling.
So, which does sound better? Is it a minor or major repair? Yes, we thought so as well.
3. Saves Money in the Long Run
Regular roof maintenance will save you money on roof replacement costs, but it will also save you money on repair costs if problems are detected at the very early stage.
When compared to the cost of major repairs caused by a lack of maintenance, the money you invest in regular roof maintenance is less.
For example, if you notice ice dams forming on your roof during the winter season, but ignore to perform the minor maintenance tasks of insulating and ventilating your roof, that minor repair may turn into a major one when your roof begins to leak and causes water damage.
Preventative roof maintenance will save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or early roof replacement.
4. Improves Curb Appeal and Protects your Home’s Value
Your roof has a major impact on the curb appeal of your home. After all, it’s one of the very first things visitors notice as they approach your home from the street. A house with missing shingles is similar to a smile with missing teeth: the gaps are obvious.
A damaged roof deviates from the beauty of your home and may even reduce the property value. Well-maintained roof not only looks and performs better but also adds value to your home.
When you decide to sell your house, improved curb appeal will fetch a higher price, but regular roof maintenance increases the value of your house to a buyer who can trust its quality and protective ability.
5. Keeps your Family Safe
The roof of your house is what safeguards your family from the elements. It’s critical to keep that barrier in place to protect your family not only from obvious threats like weather events, falling tree branches, or excess moisture that could lead to mold, but also from the less obvious safeguards that keep your family healthy, safe, and warm.
Regular roof maintenance, such as insulation inspection, ensures that your home retains heat, preventing energy waste and saving your family money.
6. Saves Time when Replacing a New Roof
When you’re stuck in construction traffic, you don’t consider how adding another lane or exit will make your commute easier in six months. You’re considering how the situation is affecting you right now.
When it comes to your roof, you must plan ahead of time. If you do need to replace your roof, regular maintenance will make the job easier for the roofing company, allowing them to finish the job faster and take less time out of your schedule.
When you keep your current roof, the existing insulation and wood carpentry can be reused when a new roof is installed.
7. Gives you Peace of Mind
With regular roof maintenance, you don’t need to worry if your roof is in good condition or if you have a leak that’s causing mold or rot.
You can ensure that everything is in good condition by having your roof checked regularly and performing proper roof maintenance.
And if you do discover a minor issue, you can have it fixed right away. Not knowing whether or not your home has structural damage is never a good thing.
Maintenance allows you to stay in control and focus on other things, giving you peace of mind.
Home Roof Maintenance Routine
We’ve given you a quick-hitting home roof maintenance checklist to assist you in identifying and preventing the type of damage that spells doom for your average roof.
- Look for stains, peeling, or missing shingles on the roof.
- Examine the pipe boots for cracks or damage.
- Check for areas of pests or animals.
- Ensure to take out any debris from the roof and gutters.
- Ensure to insulate the attic.
- Check if there are any roof leaks in the flashing and caulking
- Sweep and inspect the chimney.
- Check if the roof ventilation is functioning properly.
- Trim the overhanging branches.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Why should you pay for a roofing inspection when our roof maintenance checklist is right in front of you? An inspector will be able to spot potential problems that you may have missed, as well as give you valuable advice on how to maintain your roof.
They’ll also give you an estimate of how long it will last. Most roofers recommend two-year inspections, but a yearly inspection increases your chances of detecting potential problems before they become costly repairs.
Final Thoughts
Roof maintenance is required to protect your home and everyone who lives there. Dealing with roof problems can be both frustrating and time-consuming. With preventative roof maintenance, you can stay ahead of any problems.
Roof maintenance saves time, is environmentally friendly, improves your home’s curb appeal, provides peace of mind, and saves you money in the long run by extending the life of your roof.
Most importantly, minor roof maintenance can save you a lot of money when compared to repairing leak damage or having to replace all or part of your roof due to a major problem.
If you aren’t comfortable or don’t have the time to inspect and repair your roof, we’re here to help. You can easily find a Service Supplier to inspect and help you maintain your roof through the i4Tradies Web/Mobile App.
