Installing a roof for a home is a significant investment, making up for a sizeable portion of home construction cost. A roof is susceptible to extreme weather, such as strong winds, storms, hail, and heavy rainfall. A quality roof serves to protect your home from the elements. 

Therefore, if you don’t maintain or repair your home’s roof regularly, it can pose a severe threat to you, your family, and your belongings. It will also invariably lead to costly repairs or may even necessitate a complete roof replacement. Here, we give you a low-down on the six things you can do to keep it in top condition. 

Inspect frequently

Inspect your roof to identify any red flags, especially after hail, wind, or severe rain. It can be difficult to do those inspections yourself, so you can also hire a professional roofing expert for the job. Check your roof at least twice a year during spring and fall. It will help you take care of minor problems before they turn into full-blown roofing issues. 

Clean regularly

As an integral part of roofing maintenance, regular cleaning includes clearing out debris and broken shingles off the roof and gutters. You can use a trowel to scoop out leaves from gutters and other debris to allow rainwater to flow away from your house smoothly. Although you can easily clean gutters from the ground or a low level, a skilled roofer can reach hard-to-access areas of the roof to discard debris. 

Remove vegetation

With water logging, plants can start growing on your roof. Pollen grains or seeds can also settle on the top, with collected dust and water providing a hospitable environment for their growth. Remove any vegetation from your roof as soon as you spot it. If you notice large plants or giant shrubs, you must call a roofing contractor for an inspection. 

Pay attention to your chimney

Missing mortar on the chimney can cause heavy damage to your roof. Since the mortar holds the chimney together, cracks or falling bricks can lead to serious structural issues. Therefore, the chimney mortar needs to be fixed as soon as you notice any damage. 

Keep a record

Keep a log of every problem that comes up during an inspection. Even something as small as a missing shingle or a popping nail can wreak havoc. If you think an issue isn’t a significant concern now but can develop into one later, remedy it during the next round of inspection to prevent it from worsening. Also, keep a log of every repair or part replacement along with its warranty slip, so you can claim it if it requires repair within the warranty period. 

Look out for rust

Rusting is a common problem in roofs, especially when exposed to regular snow or rain. If you notice rusting on your rooftop, you may want to get it inspected so that it can be properly repaired. Exposed nails that are rusting could cause water damage over time and create a vulnerability in your roof. 

These six steps are a great place to start in maintaining the structural integrity of your roof. If you are looking for an established roofing company to help you with any of these steps, Roof One LLC is available for roof repair, roof replacement, and service calls. Don’t let an undetected issue on your roof go unnoticed. 

About Roof One LLC

Roof One LLC is a family-owned business that provides residential and commercial roofing. We provide roofing, siding, and gutters services in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. All our products and workmanship come with a warranty. We are accredited by Better Business Bureau. You can contact us at [email protected] or call us at 417-313-5153 for a free inspection.

Roofing is a significant investment that makes up a sizeable portion of the overall home construction cost. However, with constant exposure to outside elements, the roof structure is susceptible to extreme heat, strong winds, storms, hail, and heavy rainfall, all of which can cause severe wear and tear.

When you fail to maintain or repair your roof regularly, it can pose a significant safety threat for you, your family, and your belongings. It will also invariably lead to costly repairs or even a complete roof replacement. 

Here is a low-down on the seven benefits of a regular roof inspection:

Weather-proofing

Most residential roofs have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the material and shingles. However, Irrespective of the materials, roofs inevitably age, which can affect your building’s strength and appearance. Worn-out roofs can also create small openings, which may cause leaks. 

Cleanliness

Roofs commonly feature outlet vents and access panels for air conditioners and furnaces.  If the maintenance staff doesn’t clean up the debris after repairs, it can damage roofs, gutter, and siding during high winds. 

Proactive care

Extreme weather events can damage the roof and lead to water invasion. The only way to ensure its integrity after a storm is to get a roofing company to inspect it thoroughly for possible damage. 

Leak detection

Leaks are caused by heavy rain, or they can be symptomatic of an age-related issue. Cracks in the roof can lead to moisture infiltration, such as mold, rotting wood, corrosion, or wet insulation. Only an experienced professional can conduct a thorough leak investigation and diagnosis to find its root cause. They also have the right tools and equipment to detect leaks in areas that aren’t safe to reach without the appropriate gear. 

Proper drainage

Water lumps in the gutter or on a roof increase the likelihood of leakage and water invasion. An efficient drainage system is essential to keep rainwater away from your home. Heavy winds cause debris like leaves and trash to clog gutters, thus creating unhealthy standing water conditions. Regular cleaning will help remove such obstructions and allow the water to drain efficiently. 

Increased energy efficiency

Homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of energy-efficient homes. A well-maintained roof reduces moisture-related issues and improves insulation. It reduces energy loss, resulting in lower bills.

No vegetation overgrowth

It is typical for plants or weeds to grow on roofs or gutters where water tends to accumulate. Even birds start weaving their nest on roofs which can lead to seed deposits and invasive vegetation growth. Plant roots can also penetrate through the roof membrane, which can cause permanent damage.

About Roof One LLC

Roof One LLC is a family-owned business that provides commercial and residential roofing and property restoration services. We provide roofing, siding, and gutters services in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. All our products and workmanship come with a warranty. We are accredited by Better Business Bureau. You can contact us at [email protected] or call us at 417-313-5153 for a free inspection.