Taking care of roofing may be the most important property maintenance job you do all year. A damaged roof will only get worse over time, and could end up costing big money if it's not taken care of. To prevent long-term and costly damage, follow these top five tips for roofing maintenance.
1. Inspect your roof regularly
If you can see your roof from the ground, it's sensible to take a good look at it from time to time, probably at least twice a year, so that you will notice when something starts to go wrong. Binoculars may be useful, as can taking a look from a neighbor's property. Look out for loose or missing tiles in particular, and see if the roof is suffering from wear and tear. Check that the chimney flashings are intact and that there are no missing sections to the guttering.
2. Look out for problem vegetation
Vegetation such as moss growing in the guttering can cause real property maintenance problems over time. You can probably see if there are pebbles or moss clogging up the roof itself or any sections of the guttering, if so, these need to be cleared away to stop them causing real problems. Moss, for example, may retain moisture and damage the roof covering in the winter months. A job like this is far easier to do during the summer months.
3. Act quickly
Where there is a clear problem, such as a leaking roof, it is important to act fast as roofing maintenance issues can spiral in magnitude and cost over time if not properly addressed. Have missing slates or shingles replaces before further damage, for example to plaster ceilings or roof timbers, occurs. Other warning signs to look out for include daylight penetration, debris on the ground from broken shingles or slates, and signs of mortar droppings in the gutters or gullies. If you use a fuel fire, smoke exiting through brickwork or at the base of chimney pots may also point to serious roofing maintenance needs.
4. Bring in the experts
Amateur roofing maintenance work can be dangerous and costly. If in doubt, ask a surveyor for advice or bring in the experts and get the job done properly by an accredited roofing maintenance team. Genuine roofing experts are often accredited by The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, The Guild of Master Craftsmen or The Federation of Master Builders - look out for these certifications before choosing your team. Unskilled labor or quick-fix options are likely to lead to greater costs in the long run. Expert advice may be required if you have leaning chimneys or pots, and unusual roofing coverings such as lead or thatch may need to be inspected by specialists.
5. Get a few quotes
To make sure you find the right people to take care of your roofing maintenance, don't be afraid to ask for a few quotes from local property maintenance experts. That doesn't always mean going for the cheapest option, however - always take into account the experience and reputation of the roofers you are employing.
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A new roof is a big investment. Anytime there is a problem with the roof, it can be an inconvenience to any homeowner. So roof care is very important to upkeep. Doing inspections of the roof twice a year can save a lot of money in roof repair costs, prevent minor repairs from turning into major repairs. Contractor’s inspection fees may seem pricey at the moment, but it will all pay-off in the long run by lengthening the lifespan of your roof. There are some contractors who offer free inspections. If your local contractor does, take advantage of this. Who knows, having your roof inspected today may end up saving you thousands tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteEugene Head