If you are a homeowner, you've likely given thought to protecting and preserving the value of your home. Whether it's a fixer-upper, a well-kept single-family residence, or somewhere in between, your home is a significant financial investment that must be protected and maintained to protect you and your family.
Several components of your home contribute to its overall value, and one of the most critical aspects of your home is your roof. While a properly maintained roof can protect your home and increase its value, a poorly maintained one can cost you time, money, and overall property value.
Consequences of roof neglect
A roof serves several purposes, most of which are centered around protecting your home. Each roof component plays a critical role in protecting you, your valuables, and your home's structure. The consequences of roof neglect might not show up immediately, but once they do, it is challenging to repair issues without significant financial costs.
Short-term effects of roof neglect include small leaks, water stains and damage, and higher-than-normal energy bills. If these small repairs are not attended to, the long-term effects of roof damage include pest infestation, mold and mildew buildup, and structural damage to your entire home. When you see evidence of long-term deficiency and damage, you must plan on significant repair or replacement costs to preserve the value of your home.
An ounce of prevention
Taking care of your roof does cost you money, but it is far more costly to let disrepair sneak up on you and result in significant repair or replacement costs. When it comes to all aspects of home maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth the time and money spent on protecting your most valuable asset—your home. Take these tips to heart when it comes to protecting and preserving the life of your roof.
Inspect your roof regularly. Schedule regular inspections for your roof to identify areas of deficiency, wear and tear, and damage from the elements. Ideally, all roofing components should be inspected at least twice a year; many homeowners choose spring and fall to get an accurate picture of what's happening up top.
Check your attic for water damage. In addition to inspecting the outer layers of your roof for damage, you'll also need to check your attic space from time to time to ensure that moisture hasn't made its way inside. Telltale signs of water damage include damp, moldy insulation, water stains on wood and drywall, mold, mildew, and a musty smell. Take a more proactive approach to minimize damage by calling a trusted roofing contractor to assess and make recommendations for repair.
Repair, re-caulk, re-seal. Over time, natural wear and tear can cause a breakdown of the seals placed around roof components. An essential part of any inspection is checking sealants and caulk around your roof's chimneys, skylights, vents, and other openings. If you notice cracks or gaps around any components, remove old caulk or sealant and apply new product to create a fresh, watertight seal.
Replace damaged tiles or shingles. If you discover damaged or missing tiles and shingles during an inspection, it's critical to replace them as soon as possible to prevent water and debris from making their way inside your home. Even a single opening can cause significant damage to your roof structure, be prompt about inspection and repair plans so you do not incur additional damage and greater repair costs.
Be mindful of storm damage. Most roof damage occurs after a weather event involving high winds, driving rain, and flying debris. To prevent excess damage to your roof, assess your structure after a weather event, and trim trees and other foliage around your home to prevent flying objects from damaging roofing components. All branches and limbs should be at least 10 feet from your roof. As you keep things neat and tidy, you also minimize the risk of pest infestations in your home.
Replace your roof when necessary. The average lifespan of a roof is 20-30 years, with some materials lasting much longer. If your roof system is approaching this age, it may be time to talk with your roofing contractor to see your options regarding replacement.
Len's Roofing: Giving great advice to our valued customers!
With over three decades of quality service, repair, and installation, Len's Roofing professionals can attend to every roofing need. Our service experts are certified, licensed, and trained according to our stringent expectations; we handle inspections, repair, and replacement to ensure that you can preserve and protect your most valuable asset—your home. Call us today to see what we can do for you; visit www.lensroofing.com or call us at 941-896-7897 for more information.