Whether it’s raining or not, your roof is aging and there are things going on up there you may just not see without a closer look. Your roof is probably one of the last home improvement or maintenance projects you’re thinking about regardless of the weather happening. People generally just don’t spend too much time thinking about the roof over their head until it starts leaking and by then, it may be too late. Taking care of your roof with routine maintenance is kind of like exercise for your body and keeping in shape; it’s critical to your life (and the life of your roof!), but more often than not, it gets pushed to the side and put off.
Roofing contractors seldom explain to a property owner that even after a new roof is installed, it’s important to maintain that roof. A roof is a big investment and a little routine care and maintenance will go a long way in helping your roof give you the long lasting life you expect. After all, your roof protects the things you love and care about…it’s a major defense against the elements for your home or business and from time to time it simply needs a little attention from you.
Your roof can accumulate debris from all sorts of things including trees, birds, soil, dust, wind and rain. Left unattended, these things can build up and cause serious conditions like plugged drains, overflows and clogged valleys and waterways. Once these things start happening and the waterways are no longer functional, leaks will often occur. And roof leaks always seem to come at the worst times like during a severe rain storm when the last thing you want to think about is calling a roofer to come and save you. Emergencies are always expensive and roofing emergencies are no different; roof repairs can be an expensive alternative to simply making sure your roof is in good shape all year long.
Roof maintenance is the best way to avoid situations like this. Pre-planning and preparation is the answer . I always suggest that an annual roof inspection by a quality, licensed and insured contractor is your best bet against surprise roofing issues happening. Ask your contractor to recommend an annual maintenance program for your particular roofing system. Whether your roof simply needs cleaning from time to time, or it needs a more specific and diligent repair approach, your contractor will be able to walk you through the particulars and explain to you what your roof needs depending on the materials, the type of roof you have, the current condition as well as the pitch and design of the roof.
Just like with your vehicle when that service lights comes on, if you ignore signs, you may find yourself facing a far more serious condition than if you had just planned things out ahead with care and maintenance. Pre-planning is key for the success of most situations we encounter daily in life. And if you take care of your roof, it will take care of you with a lifetime of trouble-free service.
