What Are The Best Practices For Your Residential Roof?

Protecting the integrity of your home is important, and the roof is probably the most critical component. Temperature fluctuations, storms, pests, water damage, and aging all contribute to the deterioration of a roof. Here are some best practices to keep in mind for maintaining your roof for the duration of its lifespan.

Keep Track of Roof Repair Records and Other Information

Be sure to keep all the documents about your roof organized as they may come in handy later. Records of past repairs, maintenance and inspections may assist in any homeowner insurance claims due to hail or wind damage. Also, having a clear history of your roof will be useful for professionals to reference if future renovations or roof repair is needed. It’s also useful to have thorough proof of roof work if you decide to sell your home. Prospective buyers will be more confident in purchasing a house with documentation of professional repair work and inspections. It helps to prove no major repairs will be needed in the foreseeable future.

Schedule Routine Inspection and Maintenance

A roof should be professionally inspected once to twice a year, including after severe weather events. Most roofing companies provide comprehensive roof inspection and maintenance services to monitor the condition of the roof over time. Roofers will inspect gutters to ensure they are working properly and remove any debris which could cause roof leaks or ice dams. The roof itself will be thoroughly inspected for missing shingles, penetrations, corroded flashing or other issues.

Visual Inspection from the Ground

Many times, problems with the roof can be easily seen from ground-level. Check the siding and drain system for signs of water damage or water pools around the edge of the house. This could indicate an obstruction in the gutter system. Additionally, more downspouts may need to be installed to handle heavy rainfall. Look on the ground for any roof shingles which may have blown off the roof. If you see damage, try to clear away any stored items outside the house to clear the way for your roofers when they arrive to do their inspection.

It’s also a good idea to do a thorough walk-through of your home’s interior. Damage to the roof can create subtle water leaks inside the home. Look out for bubbling paint or any indications of moisture in the ceiling or walls. If you see a leak, it’s vital to contact an expert to complete the roof repair right away. Not taking care of the root cause and getting everything dry and clean quickly can cause mold spores to germinate and spread, impacting the health of loved ones.

Leave it to the Experts

It’s never a good idea for homeowners to perform a roof inspection themselves. Roof inspection and repair can be dangerous, especially if the roof has sustained structural damage. Always leave roof work to professionals. Not only will they perform the job safely and efficiently, experts will provide documentation of their work along with warranties or guarantees of quality craftsmanship.

Checking the Attic

Your roofing company or contractor will also inspect your attic space for any indications or water leaks or damage to the frame. Water leaks can potentially remain undetected for a long time and contribute to mold growth in the attic. This water will also accelerate the rotting of the roof deck and rafters and the corrosion of metal components in the frame. Over months or years, this damage can create massive expenses and could result in the need for a completely new residential roof installation. A water leak in the attic can present an opening for pests to enter the home and cause even more damage. Pests like termites, silverfish, or rodents are common culprits.

Roof Repair or Roof Replacement?

Depending on the extent of the damage, experts will recommend different approaches to restoring your roof. Roofing materials like slate, wood shake, or tile are often more expensive than asphalt shingles and will cost more to repair. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to invest in residential roof replacement. Environmental conditions like weather patterns along with your aesthetic taste and budget will all need to be discussed to determine the best option for you. Since 2008, Midwest Roofing has remained a leader in providing quality roofing solutions to homeowners from Columbia to Springfield. Contact us to schedule a free roof inspection today or get answers to your roofing questions. Midwest Roofing is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and our fully qualified experts have received HAAG training to provide exceptional service. Trust in us to get the job done right.