There is no denying that roof repair can be expensive. Roofs are an integral part of the house that withstand weather, fluctuating temperatures, and wind in order to protect the interior of the home. Though roofs do protect the house, they can age and breakdown, creating gaps in its defenses, and allowing leaks and mold to enter the house. Most usually don’t notice the problem until it’s too late and then end up having to call a roof repair contractor to fix the damage. These can be expensive projects, sometimes adding up into the thousands. Naturally, people want to avoid paying the high price for roof repair, but they often don’t know that they are able to avoid repairs or are unsure how to avoid them. Here are some tips on how to avoid expensive roof repairs while making sure that your roof is in working condition.
1. Keep the Roof Clean
If a roof accumulates all sorts of debris, such as moss and leaves, then the added weight can potentially stack up and cause damages that are hard to see. It’s best to clean the roof whenever you can, along with the gutters. Cleaning out debris in the gutters, washing the roof with roof cleaning products to clear away mold and moss and brushing off stray tree branches and leaves are good ways to start a roof cleaning. Simple techniques like these really add up to keep your roof in tip top shape. If this seems like a chore, just remember that it's all worthwhile to ensure that your roof lasts longer without expensive repairs.
2. Be Aware of Anything Brushing Against the Roof
Tree branches can be a major problem for roofs, causing unneeded damage and a visit from a roof repair contractor to fix the problem. It’s common for tree branches to be flung onto your roof after a nasty storm, but another seemingly harmless way trees can cause damage is when they grow tall enough to brush against the roof. To avoid damage, when a tree grows too tall and brushes against the roof, trim the branches that are closest to the roof. That way the tree branches won’t damage the roof as the tree continues to grow. Regular trimmings should help keep the roof from being ruined by the branches.
3. Check the Attic
Sometimes the attic can contribute directly to roofing problems. Check the attic for any signs of damage. Does it not insulate or ventilate properly? Is mold beginning to appear? Are there any pests in the house like squirrels or chipmunks? Are there any noticeable holes in the attic from the rooftop? Are there any dark spots on the top? Is the whole area damp or stuffy? If there are any pipes showing, are they rusting? These questions and more are something you need to ask yourself when you check the attic for any signs of wear and tear. Dealing with problems in the attic can significantly increase the lifespan of your roof.
4. Watch for Leaks
Leaks are the number one sign that something is wrong with your roof. They are a likely cause of structural damage that will lead to an expensive roof repair. Leaks usually come through holes and crevasses that are commonly found on damaged roofs. Check inside your home to see whether there are any damp spots or water lines running down the ceiling. Most likely these are leaks that must be addressed immediately. When you find a leak, contact a trusted emergency roof leak repair contractor to ensure that the leak gets sealed up perfectly.
5. Replace Old Shingles
Shingles age along with the roof and carry a maximum lifespan of 20 years. Some shingles lose their granules and become faded, some become chipped or cracked, some curl or buckle, and some are even missing from the roof altogether. When you see any of these signs, it’s best to replace those shingles as soon as you can. To get the best results from a shingle replacement project, contact a trusted Northern Virginia roof repair contractor, rather than attempting a DIY project. If you try to replace the shingles yourself, you could possibly damage your roof even more by improperly placing them. You might end up forming an unskilled patchy area or creating too many holes by trying to improperly tear out the old shingles. However, a Northern Virginia roof repair contractor has enough experience to properly place new shingles while removing the old ones. So when this happens, call a roof repair contractor.
6. Routine Checkups
The best way to keep your roof in great shape is to perform routine checkups. It is very important to maintain your roof in good condition if you don’t want to be left with an empty wallet from an expensive full-roof repair. You can easily and quickly diagnose roofing problem areas by climbing onto the roof itself or observing or from below. If you see any signs of wear and tear, such as curling or buckling shingles, then it's time to call a roof repair contractor. A Northern Virginia roof repair contractor will fix your roof’s problem areas with professional quality. If you’re able to catch the problem early, the repairs will cost far less than a roof repair done to a destroyed roof in the future.