ROOF MAINTENANCE
Refurbishing or restoring your roof can be costly.
Spending a few minutes every six months looking thoughtfully at your roof can help you determine roof care opportunities that will help prevent costly repairs later.
It’s also important to periodically review your homeowner’s guarantee to ensure your policy provides for roof damage.
Roofing Timelapse
WHAT TO CONSIDER
It’s crucial that you inspect your roof every spring and fall. A great time to do this is when you’re cleaning your gutters.
- Look for missing, cracked or damaged roof tiles and any other signs of wear and tear. It’s simple and cheap to replace one or two tiles or to appoint someone to look at it for you.
- Monitor for signs of fungus or algae. If your roof is starting to gather moss or algae, install zinc or lead control strips.
- Inspect metal sections for rust. If it’s present, wire brush the rust, then prime and paint the metal.
- Check the flashing to ensure it’s solid. If not, get rid of all of the old caulk and scrub the area clean before resealing.
- Seal any cracked mortar or caulking around joints and chimneys, if it appears to be falling apart.
If you notice any traces of leaking, like dark spots on the ceiling, or mold or dampness in your attic, take action promptly. Roof leaks become worse, not better, and it’s better to spend a few Rands on roof maintenance rather than a chance on a big repair.
OTHER ISSUES
- Sweep or blow off excess debris on the roof. Sticks, leaves and other debris can damage tiles, cause algae to grow and ultimately obstruct the gutters.
- Trim any branches that are hovering over the roof to avoid damage and keep squirrels and raccoons away.
Roof maintenance is generally neglected, but minor issues with a roof can lead to some of the most pricey home repairs around.
To learn more about our roofing systems and to schedule a roof inspection, contact us today.
4 Comments