A roof is an expensive part of your home. Too often, once a new roof has been installed, home owners forget about it. Many believe that maintenance is not required on a roof – yet nothing could California Roofing License Lookup be further from the truth. You need to inspect this portion of your home at least once a year to look for any potential problems. Check for problems common to the type of roofing material used.
Although it is important to inspect your roof annually and make any necessary repairs, safety must be your first concern. If you feel uncomfortable doing this job, call someone in to handle it. Don’t put home roofing maintenance off though, as your roof and your home may be damaged if problems are left uncorrected.
When a problem does occur with a roof, it is most frequently found in certain locations. Metal flashing, used to cover gaps in your roof plane, often develops problems. It is found around areas like dormers, chimneys, and vent pipes. Leaks or rust may occur, and allow water to build up, or even run into your home. Other troublesome areas include seams and joints where roofing materials meet – so be sure to check these areas of concern thoroughly.
Each type of roofing material tends to develop its own set of issues. Asphalt shingles contain granules. If you see a lot of these asphalt granules in your gutter, this is an indication that your roof is aging, and may need replacement soon. Shingles may also show signs of warping or tearing, or have bare spots. And cedar shake roofing may show signs of dry rot. If these problems only affect a small area, they can be repaired. But if a large area is affected, then you’ll have to replace the whole roof.
Metal roofing material is designed to last 50 years or more, but it still may suffer from rusting, corrosion, or pitting. Also look for open or loose joints and seams, as they are signs of a bigger problem. Clay tiles, slate, and asbestos shingles will last a lifetime if cared for, but small problems like chipped, broken or missing pieces should be replaced right away.
When performing home roofing maintenance, don’t forget to be extremely careful. Walking around on a roof can be dangerous, especially if the roof is showing signs of damage. You can perform your annual inspection using a pair Stand Alone Roofing of binoculars, but if you do see signs of damage, a trip to the top of your home may still be required. And don’t overlook eaves, underhangs, and gutters during your inspection, as they are an essential part of roof.
