The basics of roof care

THE BASICS OF ROOF CARE ♥


THE STEPS

As one of the largest exterior parts of your home, your roof is subject to constant temperature changes, and is exposed to dirt and debris (and other unpleasant things) on a daily basis. Inevitably, it will show signs of wear and tear over time. A smart homeowner, however, knows that proper roof care can make a roof last

longer. What’s involved?


THE STEPS

ROOF CLEANINGYou can use high-powered equipment or go with a simple cleaning solution. Either way, cleaning will help remove algae, dirt, and moss from the roof surface. Cleaning should usually be done twice a year – around the start of summer, and during fall. But many experts recommend cleaning as soon as stains show up.

Be careful with using pressurized water on your roof, though, as improper application may damage the shingles. If you need power washing, it’s still best you hire a professional.

MAINTENANCEThere are two types of roofing maintenance programs, and one does not preclude the necessity for the other. In fact, running these two programs simultaneously is important.

Preventive. Preventive maintenance seeks to address issues before they crop up, so a big part of this program involves spotting potential problems and treating them before they become full-blown issues. This is also something that a professional should do. Preventive maintenance should also be carried out bi-annually – before and after the start of the worst of the weather.


THE STEPSThe National Roofing Contractors Association recommends the following to be checked during an inspection:

• Buckling, blistering, or curling shingles• Loose or damaged material around roof

penetrations• Granules in the gutter

But why do you really need to go through all that trouble? In part two of this e-book, we go over

the reasons why you need roof care.

Reactive. Reactive maintenance, on the other hand, is corrective repair. Weathered flashing, for instance, requires replacement. In some cases, professional equipment may be necessary. Reactive maintenance is particularly necessary after a bad weather event.

For commercial-use buildings, predictive roofing maintenance is also conducted. This type of maintenance uses advanced technology to determine the ideal timetable to have repair work done, as well as examine the condition of various roofing components.


THE NEED

We talked about what roof care is and what it usually involves in Part One. Now,

let’s discuss why the effort is worth it.

Although it is a fairly straightforward process, roof care delivers many benefits to homeowners – foremost of which is the

prevention of possible issues.


THE NEED

When done properly, roof care prevents:

DAMAGE TO THE ROOFMany roofing issues start out small, and only grow bigger when left untreated. Moss, for instance, does not just look dirty; it can take root in the shingles, which can lead to decreased functionality. Improperly fastened flashing, too, can promote leaks which, in turn, can promote structural failure.

PREMATURE REPLACEMENTPreventing damage to the roof goes hand in hand with managing potentially expensive repair costs. A paper by Massachusetts’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance cites the industry-wide belief that for every dollar spent on preventive maintenance, a property owner can save five dollars on reduced emergency repairs and interior damage, as well as extended roof life. And rightly so – as a functional roof is a roof that does not have to be repaired frequently or replaced prematurely.


THE NEED

LOSS OF AESTHETIC APPEALIf you let your roof issues sit, you do not only run the risk of your home suffering from physical damage. There will also be unpleasant cosmetic changes, and they can greatly curb your home’s aesthetic appeal. This is especially bad news for homeowners interested in putting their property on the market. Buyers will simply not want to live under a roof that does not please them.

INSURANCE PROBLEMSSome insurance carriers have also been known to cancel policies for roofs that they find too dirty. An unclean roof, to them, carries a lot of risks that they do not want to cover. It is important to understand the terms of your policy that concern your roof – and to adhere to those terms.

REDUCED PROTECTIONFinally, a well-cared for roof is a roof that performs well. In times of weather extremes, for instance, a roof is often our home’s best form of exterior protection. If you don’t take the time to have it cleaned and inspected, problems ranging from moisture penetration to ice dam formation can occur.

What else do you get out of it? In the last installment of our e-book, we give you additional incentives that validate why roof care is not just

an advantage, but a necessity.


THE ADDITIONAL REWARDS

We talked about the process of and the need for roof care in the first two parts of this e-book. To cap things off, we next cover the additional benefits of roof cleaning and maintenance for your home.



A ROOF THAT IS ENERGY EFFICIENTAn unmaintained roof can have leaks – which can have a direct effect on your roof’s insulation. According to facility management experts, having wet insulation is like having no insulation. When moisture has seeped into the insulating material, its thermal resistance gets damaged because water is a conductor of energy. This is an especially bad thing to happen during the winter. In addition, it can accelerate the deterioration of other roofing components.

Proper roof care sets out to spot, treat, and prevent leaks. Subsequently, it helps keep the functionality of the differing roofing components – which helps maintain the structural integrity of the entire roofing system. If your roof is especially equipped for energy efficiency – such as a cool roof – maintenance will help ensure that it will keep converting energy savings into cost savings.

A ROOF THAT LASTSRoofing Contractor magazine says that around 80 percent of roofs are replaced prematurely, which is a big waste of money. A well-maintained roof that can potentially last for 30 years, for instance, can save you up to 50 percent over its entire lifespan, as opposed to a roof that may need to be replaced, say, every 15 to 20 years.



A ROOF THAT LOOKS GOODRegular cleaning and inspection also make your roof – and your entire home – more attractive. And this holds true, regardless of whether or not you intend to sell your home.

When you find a potential contractor, schedule a consultation to better gauge how he or she works. If possible, also solicit feedback from past clients.

A FINAL WORDRoof care does not only involve the technicalities of conducting regular cleaning and maintenance. You also need to be picky about who you hire to do it. Make sure your chosen roofing professional:

• understands your specific goals and your roof’s condition

• provides a detailed maintenance plan• works according to industry standards• is available for emergency repairs• is licensed or registered, depending on your

area• has extensive industry experience• offers comprehensive warranties• delivers great customer service; and• prices competitively



GOODRICH ROOFING3401 Vassar Drive NE Albuquerque, NM 87107

(505) 219-4450www.goodrichroofing.com

http://www.goodrichroofing.com

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