Homeowners have a lot to consider when it comes to maintenance in and around their properties. A lot of home dwellers will often take care of problems as they come up, rather than putting their energy into preventative maintenance. While this is a regular habit that many fall into, maintenance for household appliances, furnaces, water heaters, and even exterior features of your home, such as decks and windows, should not be left to fall by the wayside. Keeping on top of maintenance for these home features is invaluable because you will ultimately save money long term.
So when it comes to roof maintenance, does it actually save you money in the long run? The short answer is, “yes!” Roof Maintenance is vital for every homeowner to pay attention to, especially if they want to avoid big problems later on. Depending on what kind of climate you live in, the materials your roof is made of, and other factors, you may find yourself doing more or less maintenance on your roof every year. Read on to find out how proper roof maintenance can help save you money, increase the longevity of your roof, and help keep your it looking fantastic for decades to come.
Why Perform Roof Maintenance?
It is amazing how many homeowners skip roof maintenance entirely. If this happens to be the case for you, don’t be surprised when a significant repair suddenly becomes a necessity or leaks start to take over your attic or crawl space. There are plenty of solid reasons why you should make roof maintenance a part of your monthly cleaning and house care routine. Check out the top reasons described below for why roof maintenance is so essential for homeowners.
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- Extend the Life of Your Roof
Any major problems with your roof are bound to affect its longevity, in addition to your household finances. If you want to extend the life of your roof, you should invest in regular maintenance. Taking care of small problems as soon as they come up is a great way to prevent these issues from escalating. You will pay far less for a simple repair or maintenance procedure compared to a full-blown replacement that may result from neglecting maintenance. - Get the Most Out of Your Investment
Your roof makes up a large percent of your home’s exterior and is one of its most noticeable features. When you initially purchased your home, a portion of the cost went towards the home’s exterior appearance and, of course, the roof. Overall, your roof is just as much a part of your home investment as the interior portion. Having a roof over your head is the whole point of having a home, so why not do your absolute best to take care of it with proper maintenance? - Prevent Early Deterioration
Roofs and the materials that comprise them typically have lifespans. You may have shingles that are guaranteed to last anywhere between 10-20 years or longer. A vast span of time is usually given for guarantees on materials since a homeowner’s attention to maintenance will significantly affect how long their roof lasts. To prevent early deterioration and to ensure that your roofing materials last as long as their guarantee, regular maintenance is necessary. - Protect Your Valuables
Even minor cracks or leaks in your roof can lead to damages inside your home. Since the interior of your home is where your loved ones and belongings reside, taking care of the roof means you will be taking care of the interior, too. Pay attention to any areas on your roof that need repairs and make sure you tend to them with a sense of urgency. Otherwise, you may be putting your valuables at risk if moisture seeps in as a result of a damaged roof. - Take Advantage of Warranties
Your roof’s warranties may cover some maintenance procedures, depending on the material, labor, and manufacturer warranty specifics. However, you should be aware that some roofing warranties won’t cover certain costs if regular maintenance goes unperformed. Staying on top of roofing maintenance will ensure that your warranties will cover necessary repairs or replacements, depending on any problems you may face. Be sure to keep a diligent record of any maintenance you have performed throughout the year. That way, if and when you need to take advantage of specific warranty policies, you will have proof that you have done your best to maintain your roof.
- Extend the Life of Your Roof
Don’t forget to carefully read over any roofing policies you receive from your contractor or the manufacturer. Knowing the warranty policies for your roof as thoroughly as possible will help you gain a better understanding of how you can best protect yourself now and in the future. Your roof is arguably the most important feature on your home, so it is well worth your time to understand how its warranties can benefit you.
Top Maintenance Procedures to Have Performed
Now that you know the advantages of preventative roof maintenance, which specific procedures should you request to have done? Below you will find descriptions of the top recommendations for roof maintenance. Depending on where you live, you may want to focus more on certain roof maintenance practices compared to others.
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- Debris Removal
Leaves, tree branches, and other debris are bound to gather on top of your roof throughout the year. Clearing your roof of waste is important if you want to avoid problems such as broken shingles, leaks, and clogged gutters. Debris removal will not only keep your roof looking nice, but also help increase its longevity. - Gutter Clearing
If the gutters around your roof become clogged, you may experience major problems. Excessive rainfall or snow in the fall and winter months, in combination with clogged gutters, can cause some severe issues for your roof by springtime. Making sure your gutters remain clear and free of debris is one of the most important maintenance steps you will want to take. Especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest or other regions that experience heavy rainfall, you will need to make gutter cleaning an annual priority. - Roof Surface Repairs
Any roof damages that you notice should never be left unattended for long. Broken shingles, cracks, and leaks should be tended to by a professional as soon as possible. A professional roofer can come in and make a simple repair or replacement right away. If you wait, you may find yourself dealing with a roofing company for quite some time to fix the problem and spending a lot of additional funds. It is best to perform small repairs immediately, rather than wait for them to become larger and more expensive issues. - Pipe Seals and Caulking
Ensuring that the caulking around pipes and vents on your roof is a simple but effective maintenance procedure. Staying on top of the caulking is essential if you want to prevent leaks and other problems. While caulking is not difficult, you may want to hire a professional to do this procedure for you, that way you do not injure yourself.
- Debris Removal
Roof Longevity Tips
Don’t Allow Minor Issues to Go Unattended – Even if it seems like your home improvement or maintenance to-do list is never-ending, you should keep your roof at the top of your priority list. Be sure to check your roof for any damages periodically. Make it a point to visually inspect your roof monthly and tend to any cleaning or repairs that need to be performed.
Set Aside Savings to Take Care of Issues Right Away – As part of your monthly budgeting, you may want to consider setting aside a portion of your income for roof maintenance. Any homeowner can benefit from having a savings account that is set-up specifically for home renovations, repairs, and maintenance. The number one thing that will take homeowners by surprise financially is an unexpected expense for a home repair. It is always best to be prepared for upgrades or replacements, especially when it comes to your roof.
Request Periodic Inspections from a Professional Roofer – The best time to hire a roofer for an inspection is before the colder months come about. You might consider an annual inspection every summer to ensure that there are no damages from last year’s season and help prepare your roof before the heavy rain hits. Preparing ahead of time, and taking care of any issues that may be leftover from last year, is ideal.
Need a Roofing Contractor in the Portland-Metro Area?
If you need help with any maintenance procedures for your roof, Tom Leech Roofing can help! We can take care of anything from minor repairs and yearly maintenance, to full roofing installations. Our experts have superior attention-to-detail, years of experience, and are happy to provide a variety of professional roofing services. With our fair and competitive prices, you can receive the replacements, repairs, and upgrades you need without breaking your budget.
Fill out our contact form here, or feel free to give us a call at 503-238-0303 to get a free estimate today!