For the homeowner, a roof system is a huge investment as it is a substantial part of the construction costs. A roofer helps the owner regarding protection of his or her roof by conducting regular, thorough and careful inspections and maintenance. This helps to keep the owner’s investment safe and last for long as well.
We’ve gathered a useful checklist that helps the owner and roofer to make sure that both sides don’t miss anything during the periodic maintenance of roofs. The list will guide the homeowner on what to expect from a newly hired professional roofer when performing the periodic or routine maintenance of the roof.
ASPHALT ROOF – LEADING ALL THE WAY
These roofs are used by the majority for residential roofing purpose. Almost every five of the American home roofs have asphalt roofing. There are reasons why people like them, their holding up against the elements, their esthetical look and easy accommodation to all building styles and structures make asphalt roofs the first choice.
WHAT DAMAGES THE ROOF?
Being the major part of the house exposed to severe weather conditions, a roof faces a lot during its lifetime. These include facing the sun, winds, rains, hailstorms and snow seasons. A roof also faces the growth of algae and plants as well. If the roof is not properly installed, after a short time period, it starts to show through the damage. Poor maintenance or repairs can also affect the roof and its lifespan. Poor ventilation and other changes in the house may also lead to roof damage as well.
Sometimes, there are no apparent signs of roof damage. That doesn’t mean that the homeowner should not conduct periodic inspections and maintenance. Sometimes, the damage is hidden, and before one knows it, it’s already too late. Therefore, homeowners must ensure that they get the roofs inspected and maintained regularly through professional roofers. Remember that keeping the roof in best condition always keeps the home safe. Roof maintenance pays back hugely in form of safety and longevity.
STEPS FOR ROOF MAINTENANCE
To maintain your asphalt roof, a homeowner must go through some basic and important steps at least twice a year. These steps must be followed after every major weather event as well. Always contact a professional, licensed roofing contractor in Dearborn MI for roof inspections and maintenance.
- Keeping the roof clean and tidy
The roof and it’s related systems must be kept clean, clear and tidy by the homeowner. All parts of the roof must be attended including shingles, flashing, eaves, downspouts, vents, solar panels, skylights, chimneys, and ventilation. Regularly clear debris that may clutter the surface. Clean the gutters, get the eaves protectors installed to prevent debris buildup. Clear the downspouts for better water draining from the roof. Check for leaks and drips after rain and report it to roofer during inspection and maintenance.
- Inspecting the roof
After clearing the roof, the contractor must inspect for any possible issues which may cause damage to the roof later. This inspection should be done twice a year. Check the ventilation and other parts of the roof as well.
- Repairing the roof
Asphalt roof repairs should be done immediately to keep the roof material and systems working and safe. It is always a good idea to get the small fixes done in time to avoid larger repairs and problems later.
Repairing shingles, installing valley flashing, replacing other flashings, repairing gutters and downspouts are the key points a roofer must go through while maintenance and repairing of the roof.
- Write down everything
A roofer must keep the record of any possible problems he finds during the inspections. It always helps to prevent the future problems. This record helps the roofer during the later inspections to check whether the problem needs fixation or not. This record keeping may also help to evaluate when the maintenance and repairs are required and needed. A more convenient way is to take the photos of the problem area and can be seen and examined later to see the effects of the damage. This may also help to give a better picture of areas require maintenance and fixation.
