It is necessary for every homeowner to preserve their roof and have it examined every year. You should also educate yourself on the proper way of maintaining the quality of your roof. It may be quite expensive, but frequent roof maintenance prevents costly repairs later.
Different kinds of roofing materials are available such as asphalt, wood, tile or metal. All of these have pros and cons. You should be aware of what aspect of a certain material matters the most or you may ask your contractor which one he thinks is suitable for your budget and will still give you the performance you need.
First, check the roof for missing, curling or damaged shingles and any other marks of wear and tear. The material be should well-bonded and secured. If you happen to see signs of fungus or algae formation, mount zinc or lead control strips. Seal any cracked caulking if it seems to be deteriorating. In addition, check metal parts for rust. Rust should be wire brushed, next the metal should be primed and repainted. If you begin to see any signs of leaking, for example dark spots on your ceiling or wetness in your attic, get it repaired immediately. Water leaks left unattended can turn into larger problems and be more costly the longer you wait.
When a large roofing job is required like fixing or replacing the entire roof, it is important to choose a trusted roofing company. Do research about the company, check their references and coordinate with them regarding the style of roofing material you want to purchase. Once you’ve made your selection, if you’re in a climate where winter storms can be an issue, make sure the roof can withstand ice accumulation. Ice can collect under the gutters and cause major damage.
During a storm, branches from trees may break off, fall and spear your roof. Falling leaves from these branches may collect and cause dampness on your roof and clog your gutters. As a preventive measure, it’s usually best to cut away any branches that are dangling on your roof.
Roof maintenance is often ignored by home owners. But you do so at your own peril. Always remember that your home is only as safe as your roof is strong. Even the smallest problem with your roof can lead to costly home repairs. By taking care of small damage now and you’ll avoid big problems later.
Pat Naselow
NMLS# 91665
PLN Mortgage Services – company NMLS#: 9250
Office: 425-452-5345
Cell: 425-531-1694
Fax: 206-774-2795
http://PLNMortgage.com
Pat Naselow 