The Benefits of Regular Professional Roof Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair
A properly constructed roof should last for many years; however, continued exposure to the elements means that it won’t last as long as it could if it’s not regularly maintained. Regular maintenance can improve a roof’s resistance to weather, wind, and other forces, thereby extending the life expectancy of your roof.
Scheduling an annual roof inspection is the most economical way to identify any issues so that they can be addressed before they become a bigger problem. In addition to regularly scheduled inspections, you should have a professional take a look after any extreme wind or weather to detect small problems before they get out of hand.
- An interior inspection looks for signs of water damage, including mold, mildew, drips, leaks, stains, and peeling paint.
- A rooftop inspection includes identification of loose, missing, or deteriorated roofing material.
- An inspection of the flashing is vital to a watertight roofing system. Dried or broken seals or flashing that has pulled away from the roof, walls, or chimney may be an indication that the roof is leaking or severe damage has occurred to the roof membrane.
- An inspection of vents, pipes, skylights, etc. checks for cleanliness, signs of aging such as peeling paint, rust, rot, and moss or fungus, as well as for structural damage such as bent or missing parts and sagging pipes.
Keeping Your Roof in Tip-Top Shape
Trees and bushes should be kept away from the roof tops. Trees and bushes can cause problems for your roof when they are too close to your home. One problem is that moss and algae can grow on moist roofing materials. To avoid problems, trim tree branches to prevent shaded areas that can become damp. Keep gutters clear for proper drainage. Any branches that come in contact with a roof could scratch roofing material when the wind blows. Leaves on the surface of a roof retain moisture and cause rot. Excessive gutter debris sometimes causes water to run under shingles and cause damage to the roof fascia and soffits.