The roof over your home is one of the most important parts of any home that is used a lot more frequently than you may think. Roofs are designed to provide shelter and protection from outdoor elements and insulation for your home. For this reason, it is important to ensure that this part of your home is maintained.
Weather damage, trees, and moisture can result in expensive problems when it comes to your roof in a city like Panama City, FL. This is why it is best to prevent these problems before they have a chance to start. Below is a list of useful maintenance tips that you can follow to ensure your roof is always in the best condition possible.
Roofs are made to last. Depending on the roof type that you have, you might not need a replacement for at least 20 to 30 years from the last installation. Yet to get the most from the lifespan of a roof, you need to conduct regular inspection and roof maintenance. This will also help you to catch issues before it turns into something major. Routine maintenance and inspection should be carried out at least every six months. Here is a list of the most common maintenance tips for roofs:
– Clean Your Roof
– Inspect For Rust
– Trim Back Branches And Tall Trees
– Inspect The Roof After A Storm
– Inspect The Flashing
– Replaced Cracked And Damaged Shingles
1. Clean Your Roof
Similar to other areas throughout the home, roofs also require cleaning. Debris, moss, and algae will make the roof appear unsightly and impact negatively on the overall quality of the roof. If you neglect to clean your roof, it can result in rot. For this task, it is recommended to hire a qualified Panama City roofer.
2. Inspect For Rust
This will depend on the type and style of the roof, as some roofs are susceptible to rust. Metal roofs are at risk when it comes to rust. Yet, with a thorough cleanup and the correct care, it is easy to remove rust. Screws that have become a rusty need to replaced first, and from here, you scrub off the rest of the rust with a hard wire brush.
3. Trim Back Branches And Tall Trees
From ground level, examine the trees that surround your home. Large branches and tall trees could become a potential problem on windy days or when the weather is stormy. To prevent these issues, trim large branches that are close to the roof. Falling tree branches or a tree can cause significant damages to your roof or even the structure of the home.
4. Inspect The Roof After A Storm
A lot of rain, heavy wind, and hail can result in roof damages. After any large storm, you should always check your roof for any damages. Start from ground level to check if your windowsills or gutters are bent or broken. This could be a sign that there may be damages to the roof. When you inspect the shingles on your roof, you might see damages to individual shingles. If you have found damages, you need to contact your home insurance provider.
5. Inspect The Flashing
Roof flashing is an element that helps with sealing off bends and cracks in a roof to stop water and moisture from getting inside. When you inspect your roof, check on the flashing. Ensure that there are no gaps that have developed, and the metal should not be rusted. If you have noticed imperfections or cracks in the flashing, it is important to have this repaired immediately to stop potential leaks.
6. Replaced Cracked And Damaged Shingles
Shingles that are damaged can cause leaks in your home. This is why you need shingles replaced or repaired as soon as you have noticed signs of damage or wear-and-tear.
While there may be countless DIY projects that you can do with ease around your home, roofing repairs is not one of these. If during your 6-month roofing maintenance inspection, you find out that your roof needs repairs, you need to contact a professional Panama-City roofing company. Bubbles in your walls or interior leaks may also be a sign that you have roofing issues. This is also when you need to call in roofing professionals in Panama City, FL, to assist you when it comes to locating the source and to provide a cost-effective solution for the problem.
Final Thoughts
While your roof maintenance is only something you need to think about twice a year, it is a very important task to make sure your roof lasts for as long as possible. If you have found any damages, avoid waiting. Get these repaired quickly to avoid further damages, which could cost you a lot more in the long run. It is also important that you only deal with reputable, reliable, and professional roofing contractors when you need repairs done.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
