Worker cleaning a roof

Show your Roof Some Love: 5 Roof Maintenance Tips

Show your Roof Some Love: 5 Roof Maintenance Tips. Summer is a very busy time for most homeowners. They have weddings to plan, kids’ activities to manage and vacations planned for later in the year. With so much on their plate, homeowners can easily forget about checking in on what’s happening on top of their house throughout the season. 

Checking your roof is something that you should be doing regularly. Unfortunately, it’s not on most homeowners’ top 10 lists of fun things to do this summer, and many people find themselves neglecting their roofs until it’s too late — when they start noticing water stains, leaks, or other signs of damage. 

You know a good regular maintenance schedule is key to protecting your biggest investment. But knowing when it’s time for a checkup can be difficult. A typical homeowner can have hundreds of questions about when they need a roof repair. Many don’t even know how to look for signs that they need one! 

With this checklist of 5 easy things you can do to prepare your roof during summer weather now, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe from any lurking dangers and will require far less of an investment when it comes time for maintenance next spring!

1. Get a roof inspection

A damaged roof can be expensive to repair, and homeowners should schedule annual professional inspections to catch anything early.

The question is, how often do you inspect your roof? According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, homeowners should have their roofs professionally inspected at least twice a year — once in the fall to check on any damage the summer sun and storms may have caused, and once in the spring to see if winter weather took its toll on your roof.

The biggest mistake many homeowners make is that they wait until there is an obvious problem before scheduling repairs for their roof or chimney. The best solution for this is regular inspections by your local professional contractor who will be able to detect any potential issues before they become a disaster. 

Here are some signs that you might need some major repairs soon:

1. Missing or rotting roof sheathing (shakes or shingles).

2. Loose or cracked flashing around chimneys and skylights.

3. Warped or curled roof plywood or panels.

4. Damaged or missing gutters and rainwater diverters.

5. Leaks inside the attic or home below a damaged roof area.

6. Peeling paint near a roof’s edge, vents

If you notice any of these signs during your spring inspection, make sure to call a licensed contractor so your roof can get ahead of the damage before summer storms wear them down even more.

2. Keep it clean

Spring is a wonderful time of year. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and everything is beginning to wake up from its winter slumber. Unfortunately, one thing that won’t be singing and blooming is your gutter system. Leaves, seeds, petals, and debris can accumulate in your gutters over time, forcing water to work its way back up on your roof.  Blocked downspouts have caused more than their fair share of property damage and may even cause costly repairs if not dealt with quickly. And nobody wants that. 

Keeping your gutters clean is a year-round activity, especially if you live in an area with heavy rainfall. However, once winter is over and the days get warmer, it’s time to pay particular attention to keeping your gutters and downspouts in tip-top shape. There are several things you can do yourself to keep things running smoothly – including checking for clogs and trimming back any overgrown trees or bushes that could be crowding the draining of your house to keep water away from your foundation. But if you notice any mold or algae during your spring roof inspection, make sure you call a professional before it gets worse; otherwise, you may end up with costly repairs later on. They have special equipment that can clean your shingles without damaging them, as well as biodegradable cleaning solutions that can help prevent mold growth.

3. Let your home breathe

The reason why ventilation is such an essential element in your home’s structure is that it allows moisture out of your house as well as dangerous gases and smells. This allows for proper circulation of air throughout your living space, keeping temperatures normal year-round and adding to your comfort level.

Inadequate ventilation in your home can cause mold, ice damming, and a host of problems with your roof.: More than anything else, inadequate ventilation can cause health issues for you and your family. If you want to keep yourself safe from these issues, you should make sure that there is adequate ventilation installed into the structures on your property. 

The Federal Housing Administration recommends at least 1 square foot of ventilation per 300 square feet of attic space to properly ventilate your home — a standard most homes don’t reach. Get a complete inspection by a reliable professional who will give you an honest report on the health of your home’s ventilation system, as well as an assessment of any issues that need addressing before summer arrives or other hot seasons 

4. Make sure you’re covered

Having your roof damage due to a storm can be a big headache, especially if it’s unexpected. It can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace your roof after storm damage but getting the right homeowner’s insurance policy could save you thousands more. Make sure your family is covered and your home is protected against potential issues relating specifically to your roof, such as hail, wind damage, and fire – all as standard parts of a comprehensive homeowner’s policy. 

Aside from that, make sure your homeowner insurance policy covers roof damage can make you feel more at ease about the things you can’t control. For example, Princeton Survey Research Associate International states that 56 percent of people assume flood insurance is covered by a standard policy when, in fact, it isn’t.

“Being misinformed about your home policy can be an extremely expensive mistake — especially when a few inches of water in a 1,000 square-foot home can easily cost over $10,000 in repairs,” said Laura Adams, senior insurance analyst at insurance Quotes. Double-checking your policy may not seem like an obvious roof maintenance tip, but it can help you know what to prepare for in the future.

5. Get a rock-solid warranty

What am I covered for? What do I need to know about roofing warranties?  Don’t just trust your roofing company to tell you what is covered and what isn’t. You might think you know exactly what has been done, but it’s always best to read through your policy and make sure you understand the details.

You have rights when it comes to securing a warranty on your work – just as you do with any other purchase. If you don’t know what is or isn’t covered when it comes to your roof, you likely won’t take the proper precautions in safeguarding this important part of your house.

On the other hand, knowing what exactly your roof is covered for can help you plan and better budget for roof maintenance. It also saves you from unpleasant surprises when the time comes to call in the professionals.

Is your roof ready for spring?

Roofing problems are one of the most expensive issues you can face. And when they strike, they don’t play around. Without proper care and maintenance, you may be in for more than just an expensive repair bill. Your home’s structure can be compromised, putting you and your family at risk for injuries from falling debris. In addition to structural concerns, roof leaks caused by poor maintenance can lead to mold growth and costly repairs in other areas of the home. 

While following these roof maintenance tips can help you stave off some roofing problems, the effects of a harsh winter can quickly deteriorate any roof, no matter how well-maintained it was before the season. 

 If your roof needs attention, then make sure you contact Watkins Construction & Roofing today. We specialize in all types of roofing installations, repairs, and replacements. Contact the roofing experts at Watkins Construction & Roofing at 601-966-8233 or visit us online to request a complimentary estimate.

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