Caring for your roof may be the most important property maintenance job you do all year. A damaged roof will only get worse over time and could end up costing you a lot of money if not taken care of. To avoid costly and long-term damage, follow these top five tips for roof maintenance.
1. Inspect your roof regularly
If you can see your ceiling from the ground, it’s sensible to take a good look at it from time to time, probably at least twice a year, so you know when something starts to go wrong. Binoculars can be helpful, as can peeking from a neighbor’s property. Keep an eye out for loose or missing shingles in particular, and see if the roof is worn. Check that the chimney flashing is intact and that there are no missing sections in the gutter.
2. Be on the lookout for problematic vegetation
Vegetation such as moss growing in gutters can cause real estate maintenance problems over time. You can probably see if there are pebbles or moss clogging the roof or any sections of the gutters, if so they need to be removed to prevent them from causing any real problems. Moss, for example, can retain moisture and damage your roof covering in the winter months. A job like this is much easier to do during the summer months.
3. Act fast
When there is a clear problem, such as a leaky roof, it is important to act fast, as roof maintenance issues can escalate in magnitude and cost over time if not properly addressed. Have any missing slates or tiles replaced before further damage is done, for example to plaster ceilings or ceiling joists. Other warning signs to watch for include daylight penetration, debris on the floor from broken tiles or slates, and signs of mortar dripping in gutters or gullies. If you use a fuel fire, smoke coming up through brickwork or at the base of chimneys can also indicate serious roof maintenance needs.
4. Bring in the experts
Hobbyist roof maintenance work can be dangerous and expensive. If in doubt, ask a surveyor for advice or call in the experts and have the job done right by an accredited roofing maintenance crew. True roofing experts are often accredited by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the Guild of Master Craftsmen, or the Federation of Master Builders. Keep an eye out for these accreditations before choosing your team. Unskilled labor or quick fix options are likely to result in higher costs in the long run. Expert advice may be required if you have sloped chimneys or pans, and specialists may need to inspect for unusual roof coverings such as lead or thatch.
5. Get some quotes
To make sure you find the right people to maintain your roofs, don’t be afraid to ask for some quotes from local property maintenance experts. However, that doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest option – always keep in mind the experience and reputation of the roofers you’re hiring.
