Old roofs are not ideal if you are somebody who hates maintenance work and it is often less expensive to replace the roof rather than to keep on repairing it in the long run.
Planning Your Roof Maintenance Regime
After your new roof has been installed it’s time to develop a maintenance program that will extend the life of it. Sadly, when people install the roof they are too excited about a job well-done that they will neglect any thought of maintenance. What many people don’t realize when they install a new roof is that small instances of neglect and abuse can cause extensive damage. Premature failure is one of the biggest drains on any budget, but it’s an avoidable issue. The solution is simple. Carry out regular roof inspections and spot any problems before they can fully develop.
All it takes is three different steps and you can make sure that your roof is given the tender loving care that it provides you with on a daily basis.
- 1. Regular Roof Inspections
It is advisable for homeowners to set up a minimum of two comprehensive inspections each year. Do this when the seasons change, during the spring and the fall. The spring is the perfect time to check for any damage that may have been caused by the frigid colds of winter, whereas the fall is the time to check the roof for any damage it may have sustained from extreme temperatures.
Don’t just stop at these regular inspections, though. Wind and storms can impact roofs immediately. If any of these things have happened to you then check the roof as soon as possible.
- 2. Inspection Checklist
When going up on the roof you need to know exactly what you are looking for. Develop a small file of records where you can store your findings to compare from time to time. Start your file by getting all the information you can. This includes what the roof is made out of, how big the roof is, and any warranty information that’s available.
Detailed drawings and photographs are strongly recommended. But the most important thing to remember is any changes that have been made since the roof was first installed should be catalogued. Never underestimate the potential impact of a new installation.
- 3. Conducting the Inspection
The systematic approach generally works out for the best when carrying out a roof inspection. A checklist approach tends to reduce the chances of you missing something out, so group them in specific ways. Inspect the maintenance items, the structure, the flashing, and the membrane. Take extra care to look at the drainage system and the sealants that are protecting the interior of your home.
Look at each aspect in turn and mark down whether there’s a problem or not. Any problems that are present should be marked down as minor or major. It’s also imperative that any action that has been taken in response to the problem is logged.
In the event of any repairs that need carrying out, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an expert for some professional advice on what to do next.
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