We’re all aware that our cars, yard, and AC require routine maintenance, such as oil changes, cleaning, and replacement. But did you know that your roof also requires yearly maintenance? While most people don’t consider getting an annual roof inspection, the truth is that regular roof maintenance is critical to protecting your roof investment. South Florida general contractors can help you maintain your roof and other parts of your home.
This article will explain roof maintenance, how it is done, and why it is essential. Preventative measures, maximizing your roof’s life, and providing you with peace of mind will demonstrate how important it is to your rooftop. Here’s why maintaining your roof is essential for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Maintenance
What Exactly Is Roof Maintenance?
Roof maintenance is the routine inspection of all vulnerable areas on a roof that may develop a problem. Depending on the type of roof, whether residential or commercial, maintenance will be done annually, biannually, or quarterly.
When your local contractor comes out to do roof maintenance, certain things are immediately checked. The following are some of the most common ways your contractor maintains your roof:
- Examine Pipe for Cracks and Damage
The most common cause of roof leaks is cracked pipe boots. The neoprene (synthetic rubber) gasket around a plumbing vent stack is most likely to break during colder weather.
- Clean Your Roof
When it comes to shingle roof maintenance, washing it is essential. Your roof will eventually become dirty, with long, dark streaks running from peak to leave. This is algae that have grown on your house. Algae will not cause immediate damage, but if left too long, it will slowly rot your shingles.
Your roofing contractor will spray your roof with a 50/50 mixture of water and bleach to eliminate these plant-like critters. The bleach will quickly kill the algae, but you should also install copper strips beneath your roof’s peak. When it rains, the copper molecules will run down your roof, killing any algae attempting to make a comeback.
- Remove All Debris From the Roof and Gutters
Leaving debris on your roofs, such as leaves and sticks, can form a dam. This causes water to back up beneath the shingles and cause a leak. Leaves in gutters can clog downspouts or slow water flow, causing gutters to overflow and causing moisture in the crawl space or basement.
- Examine the Roof for Signs of Animal Intrusion
Many small animals find refuge in the attic of your home. They can cause significant damage to a home by forcing a leak, chewing on electrical wiring (a common cause of house fires), and producing a biohazard with their waste. The key is early detection to avoid and prevent damage by hidden animals.
- Inspect Ventilation for Any Obstructions in the Vents
If the condensation in your attic is not vented, it will dissolve the adhesives in the plywood decking. This causes layer delamination, which weakens nail-holding capabilities and may result in shingle blow-offs in the future, as well as complete decking replacement.
- Inspect All Flashings and Loose or Missing Caulking
Caulking is necessary to keep exposed nail heads on roof penetration waterproof. Keeping metal flashing in brick walls and chimneys waterproof is also essential.
- Have Your Chimney Inspected by a Certified Chimney Sweep
If you burn wood, you must have your chimney inspected yearly by a CSIA Certified chimney sweep. The list of roof maintenance items could go on and on, but these are some of the most crucial roof maintenance must-dos to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible.
- Examine the Sealant
Keep an eye out for cracking, openings, deterioration, or crazing in sealant or caulking. Sealant failures are frequently observed near penetrations and perimeter flashings. The bond must be inspected regularly and frequently repaired.
What Is the Significance of Roof Maintenance?
Investing in roof maintenance contributes significantly to the long-term health of your roof. Even if your roof was installed correctly, you should have an annual maintenance inspection. When you get a yearly maintenance inspection, potential problems are identified, the life of your roof is extended, and you have peace of mind.
- Roof Maintenance Helps to Avoid Future Problems
Preventative maintenance is the most important reason for roof maintenance. An ignored minor problem can quickly escalate into a significant problem in a year or two or even six months. For example, if they discover a crack in a pipe boot, the repair is simple and inexpensive.
However, if it is not caught because you do not have regular roof maintenance, it can cause $300, $400, or even $500 in damage to your ceiling. The same is true if you have animals in your attic. Getting them out is one thing, but dealing with the biohazard they leave behind becomes prohibitively expensive.
- Early Detection of Common Roof Problems
When your roof is maintained, a contractor can detect the problem and either prevent the critters from entering the attic or make it so difficult for them that they abandon your home. Roof maintenance can help you avoid costly problems by having your contractor identify potential issues during the inspection.
- Roof Maintenance Extends the Lifespan of Your Roof
Something as simple as annual maintenance will extend the life of your roof. When installing your new asphalt roof, you should expect it to last at least 25 years, depending on the materials used. Your roofing contractor can help extend the life of your roof by cleaning, maintaining, and fixing specific vital points.
- Regular Maintenance Ensures That You Get the Best Out of Your Roof
Depending on how frequently you have it done, you will receive a report indicating the stage of your roof and how much life it has left. Remember that, just like your car, your roof requires regular maintenance.
- Roof Maintenance Provides You With Peace of Mind
Regular roof maintenance, like a properly installed roof, will provide you with precisely that. A contractor will either detect any problems or give your roof the all-clear. Even if your roof requires repairs, the problem was discovered before it became severe. After your maintenance inspection, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything checked out fine or that all of your roof’s issues have been addressed.
Do You Need Help From Reliable South Florida General Contractors?
At JJ Quality Builders of the Palm Beaches, our team can help you maintain, repair, and keep track of your roof. Give us a call today to learn more about the services we offer!
