Roof Care 101

All roofing requires proper maintenance and upkeep. Whether the structure is residential or commercial is unimportant. All that truly matters is that your roof receives the proper maintenance and upkeep it needs. A metal, shingle, cobblestone, or flat roof all have specific maintenance schedules that must be adhered to in order to extend the longevity of your roof.

Basic Care

Most roofing does not require completely new installation> Instead, repair of damaged or worn parts of the roof are all you need to keep your roof in tip-top shape. For example, a shingle roof can usually be maintained by simply replacing old r damaged shingles, without replacing the entire roof.

Even a metal roof can be repaired without replacing the entire roof by contacting a Commercial Roofing Retrofit Contractor Gadsden AL. This keeps the cost down by repairing only the parts of the roof that needs it.

Maintenance

There are simple things that a business or homeowner can do to maintain their roofing and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Simply cleaning excess debris from your roof is a huge preventative measure because it helps diminish water damage. The dirt and leaves often hold moisture which can lead to deterioration. Inspect your flashing and gutters to make sure that they are secure and free from dirt and leaves. Also, make sure that they are in good condition. Any loose shingle tabs or other roofing material should be secured with the proper adhesives if needed.

Other Factors

Aside from maintaining the roof itself, you must also maintain the areas around the roof. For example, tree branches that grow so close that the branches lay on the rooftop are harmful to the roof as well. Prevent damage by trimming overhanging branches away from the roof. By keeping the branches trimmed, you’re also preventing the squirrels and other rodents from having easy access to your roof. You effectively eliminate their bridge, which is the overhanging branches.

Last but not least, pay attention and listen for activity on your rooftop. If you hear scurrying or other unfamiliar sounds, investigate. Make sure there are no holes or other types of damage that could be granting uninvited guests access.

Caring for your rooftop is a necessary step that can save you a lot of money. Although some repairs require a professional, there are many other things that you can do to protect and maintain your roof like keeping it clean and maintaining your gutters and flashing. You should take things a step further by trimming overhanging tree branches and periodically inspecting your rooftop. If you opt to neglect the care and maintenance of your roof you may have to replace the entire roof instead of a few shingles or missing cobblestones. Maintenance and care cut down on the overall cost of keeping your rooftop in good condition by preventing and diminishing the damage caused by wear and tear and age.