One of the many advantages of being a homeowner is the fact that you know you have a roof over your head every time you get home.
The fact that the roof needs to be replaced from time to time is definitely not a benefit, but it will have to be done at some point. So it is wise to go for a durable roof.
The 2014 Cost VS Value report says that replacing a roof costs an average of $ 34,500, which is why people should consider getting more durable roofs.
Image source: Palazzo houses
To avoid this as much as possible, it is important to resolve any possible setbacks as soon as possible, otherwise they can lead to major problems.
Active maintenance routines
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An active maintenance routine is the right way to look after your roof as you are in control of the condition of your roof.
It may seem like a real waste of time, but investing a little time and effort into checking the shape of your roof will likely pay off in the long run.
The inspection on the roof does not need to be carried out more than twice a year – once at the beginning of spring and once at the beginning of autumn.
Image source: Eskuche Design
This way you ensure that the roof is free from damage or moisture. If you check in in the fall, your roof will be ready for the winter while the spring controls prepare it for the heavy rains in the summer.
The roofs should be cleaned and anything that doesn’t belong should be removed. You may find a lot of twigs, branches, and accumulated debris that need to be looked after.
Image source: Jim Burton Architects
It is important that the gutter does not overflow and ruin your home. If such things build up on your roof, it can also damage the structure.
When cleaning, watch out for fungus or algae that can appear if there is water on the roof. Mushrooms are easy to clean as a simple bleach solution can solve the problem instantly.
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What you will be working on the most is keeping moisture and water off the roof. Moisture should be detected in a timely manner and the source eliminated, as this is the main reason for roof damage.
Places where winters are quite harsh require a roof inspection after every blizzard as moisture can become a major problem – the weight of the snow can collapse the roof or cause leaks.
Preventive measures
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It is better to prevent something than to get stuck and solve the problems that arise. You may not get any visible results, but investing in preventive roof maintenance can be a smart move that will save you from swapping out your roof and spending double the amount.
First, check the insulation of your attic. There should be a properly laid layer that will maintain a constant temperature and prevent water vapor from building up on the underside of the roof.
This way you can minimize your heating and cooling costs. If you want to be extra careful, you can even use another layer or vapor barrier in addition to insulation. Using durable roofing materials is always the safe way to go.
Image source: DeForest Architects
Another important point is ventilation. Aside from preventing the build-up of water vapor, good quality ventilation prevents any kind of damage that can occur on the roof due to excessive moisture.
Image source: Architrix Design Studio Inc.
According to Distinctive Roofing LLCthe ventilation slots should be checked until it is certain that there are no foreign objects or animals in them. A fan can be useful if you are working with small air vents as it will help keep you dry.
Prevent holes from appearing on your roof by taking care of trees that are nearby and can damage their branches.
Recognize problems early on
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The goal of inspecting your roof frequently is to avoid any type of hazard that may arise. The more you check your roof, the easier it is to find potential problems. Many problems can grow in size if not addressed early. Some of the things to be careful of are:
- There may be sagging or tilting.
- Cracks and stains ..
- Damaged shingles that may have cracks or tears, or the appearance of shingle pellets.
- Loose or damaged material around the chimneys, pipes and vents.
- Detached downpipes or gutters.
- Dirt that can build up ..
- The growth of algae ..
- Wet spots appear on the ceilings.
You will eventually get used to looking on the roof. It can only be a look; Just a quick review is enough to keep you updated.
Making this little gesture a habit is a great way to keep track of the condition of your roof. In addition to this habit, a thorough inspection of the roof after rain and snowstorms is also an important preventive step.
Image source: Randall Mars Architects
Look for any wet spots inside so you can be extra sure there isn’t a problem. Pay attention only to internal and external damage.
If you find that your roof is in need of work due to various types of damage, fixing the problem should be your top priority. Some water damage may seem like a quick process at first, but if you ignore it over time, it can turn into a large leak.
Image source: Abigail-Elise Interiors, Inc.
By addressing the small issues in a timely manner, you save yourself the waste of valuable money, time, and effort fixing big problems.
If you find yourself in a situation where calling a professional is inevitable, you need to compare tariffs and credentials.
Regular check-ups by specialists
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Sometimes we are unable to identify possible problems that may arise. Seeing that there is a problem with your roof can be a little tricky. Hence, it makes sense that you can easily miss a problem.
That doesn’t mean you may fail to notice a hidden problem with your roof – you just need to do a few thorough inspections. But you can’t do this on your own as it can be dangerous and it’s not worth it.
Image source: Webb & Brown-Neaves
Pros are there for a reason – trust a good roofer to do the inspection and find the problem for you. Recommendations from your family and friends or online reviews can help you find a roofer.
If you are still not entirely sure, do a quick interview with a few qualified people and base your decision on the impression they make.