You know how important your roof is. It keeps your home or business covered in the most literal sense of the word! But when it comes to maintenance or problems, how do you determine what you can do yourself, and what requires the services of a professional roofer? Some inspections and basic maintenance you can do yourself if done safely, but here are some tips that may help you decide what you can do on your own and when you should really call in the experts.

Visual Inspections and Basic Maintenance

You can (and should!) perform a cursory inspection of your roof several times a year. Just before the beginning of each new season is a good way to remember that it’s time to take a look at the overall condition of your roof and its adjuncts like gutters and downspouts. You can certainly keep your gutters free of debris and make sure that your downspouts are flowing freely during and after a rainstorm. You should also clean cobwebs and other debris from your exhaust vents. But if you see any of the following conditions, it’s best to call a professional roofer ASAP:

  • Streaked or stained shingles
  • Curled, buckled, or missing shingles
  • Missing granules
  • Rusted flashings
  • Water stains in the attic
  • Mold or lichen growth

Needless to say, if you notice obvious sagging, water running down a wall inside your home, or your roof is old and ready for replacement, pick up the phone and call a reputable roofing company to inspect your roof and provide a written quote for repairs or replacement.

Choosing the Best Roofer

The number one rule for choosing a roofer is to go local. Doing so gives you the advantage of word-of-mouth referrals, which can provide invaluable information about how well-respected the company is, how they performed, and how long they generally take to complete a roofing job. Second, always make sure that the company you choose is insured and provides worker’s compensation to its employees. That will cover you in case of an accident. And finally, make sure that they guarantee their workmanship in writing. Anyone who doesn’t guarantee their work probably doesn’t have the roofing expertise you need!

In the mid-Missouri area, Midwest Roofing is the skilled roofer to call for your residential or commercial roofing needs. We’re fast, dependable, professional, and we guarantee our craft and workmanship. If you suspect that your roof has problems, don’t hesitate to contact us today!