It's above you every day. It provides you with defense against wind, rain, snow, hail and heat. But you rarely even think about it: your roof.
Every day your roof is exposed to weather and other elements which contribute to its damage and deterioration. One of the primary causes of roof problems is a poorly maintained roof. As one of the largest and most vulnerable parts of your house, it requires regular inspection, maintenance, and repair because the lifespan of a roof can be shortened dramatically if neglected.
Why should I keep my roof maintained?
Your roof is constantly being exposed to all kinds of conditions, so it is very important that you provide your roof with maintenance to avoid major damage. This maintenance also lengthens the life of your roof. With proper maintenance, your roof can last an average of 25 to 30 years. Roof maintenance can also mean the difference between a repair and a replacement when there is a problem, minimizing future or unexpected costs.
How often should my roof be maintained?
That depends on several factors—the age of the roof, weather conditions, and any problems identified during previous inspections. Even if your roof is newer or hasn’t had any issues, it’s always a good idea to have it inspected at least once every 6-8 years.
What maintenance should be done on a roof?
It’s important to keep your roof and gutters cleaning of all debris. Pipe collar should be replaced approximately every 6-8 years. Nail pops or penetrations should be repaired. Loose shingles should be secured, and missing or damaged shingles need to be replaced. If you have a chimney, this should also be sealed.
What are pipe collars and why do they need to be replaced?
Pipe collars are covers fitted around the small pipes sticking out of the roof of your home. They play an essential role in the overall function of your residential home as they are used to allow gas and air to escape through the roof. They deteriorate mainly due to wear and tear overtime, especially when the pipe collars are made out of rubber or plastic because they tend to crack due to excessive sun exposure. A damaged pipe collar can cause water to seep through and rot the roof decking. Another reason why leaks might occur at pipe collars is because of poor installation. Pipe collars generally cover the shingles and have a sealant applied to make it watertight.
What about my skylights? Should they be serviced too?
Yes! The number one problem with skylights is water leaks, and that is why homeowners should be on constant alert for this issue. If left unchecked, a leaking skylight can cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Make it a point to look at the interior of your skylights often and particularly after heavy rain or winter storms. Take note of anything that looks out of the ordinary, such as water stains on the ceiling, damp spots on the carpet, or other unusual changes. Regardless of whether you have experienced any problems with your skylights, it is important to have them inspected and cleaned from the outside at least once per year. You won't be able to see all that is happening from the inside of your home, and annual inspections can forestall serious problems.
Why should I keep leaves and debris off my roof?
During autumn when leaves fall, they are often wet. When they collect on your roof, they collect even more water and clump together. They then can rot, and the moisture gets into the shingles and can cause rotting there, too. Then, as more water collects and drips down, it can leak into the building. What can also happen is that the weight of the leaves can cause an uneven distribution of pressure on the roof, which can weaken it.
What is the average price of having a roof maintained?
Total Home Exteriors offers a roof maintenance package starting at $299. This could save you thousands in the future. The package includes:
Inspection of your entire roof
Pipe collar replacements (This should be done every 6-8 years)
Sealing of all chimneys, walls and any other roof penetrations as needed
Repair of nail pops and secure loose shingles as needed
When complete, we will provide a written evaluation of your current roof condition. If any other issues are found, we will also provide a written estimate for repairing the problems.