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Roof Maintenance

The Surprising Truth About Roof Maintenance: What Every Homeowner Should Know

April , 2023 | 7 min. read

By Nicole Corson

Leaves and debris in a dead valley on a shingle roof

Do you believe that roof maintenance is only necessary when there's visible damage? 

Or that it's a task that can be safely ignored for years? 

Many homeowners hold these misconceptions about roof maintenance. But the truth is, regular care is essential for keeping your roof in top shape. You'll be surprised by how much you can do to protect your home and extend the life of your roof. 

At RoofCrafters, we've been keeping homeowners' roofs happy and healthy for over three decades. That's right, we're roof maintenance veterans! We've seen it all, from the craziest weather conditions to the toughest roofing problems. And through it all, we've learned a thing or two about what it takes to keep a roof in tip-top shape. So when it comes to roof maintenance, you can trust us to have the inside scoop. Now we want to share that "scoop" with you.

In this article, we'll challenge common beliefs about roof maintenance. We'll provide you with valuable insights into what every homeowner should know. From the frequency of inspections to the signs of impending roof problems. We'll also cover the essentials of proper roof care. Get ready to learn the surprising truth about roof care and take control of your home's protection!

Let’s get started!

Separating Fact from Fiction: Dispelling Roof Maintenance Misconceptions

 

Imagine you just bought a brand-new sports car. It's shiny and fast. And you're feeling pretty good about yourself as you drive it off the lot. But what happens a few months later when you hear a funny noise coming from the engine? That's right, you need to take it in for routine maintenance. 

The same goes for a new roof. Just because it's new doesn't mean it's immune to problems. Things move, they expand and contract. Regular roof maintenance is like a tune-up for your car. It keeps everything running smoothly and helps prevent problems from developing.

Let me ask you this, would you buy a new car and never change the oil? Of course not! You regularly maintain your car to keep it running at its best. The same goes for a roof. Just like rotating the tires and changing the oil on your car, your roof needs routine maintenance to keep it in top condition. Neglecting roof maintenance is like neglecting to change the oil in your car - eventually, it's going to cause problems.

Now, let's say you buy a brand-new car, but you never take it in for routine maintenance. What happens? Well, first the warning lights come on right?  Your roof doesn't have any of those! (they actually show up as roof leaks) However, the car will become less efficient, and eventually, you'll need to spend a lot of money fixing it. 

poor roof maintenance

We see this time and time again on roofs. No maintenance and roofs that should hold up begin to develop small leaks. Routine maintenance is like preventive care for your car - it helps keep it in good condition and prevents problems from developing.

So, if you want your roof to last for years and protect your home from the elements, you need to forget the misconception, once you get a new roof…you're good. It's just not true! 

Make sense so far? Keep reading to learn what can be done to prevent common leaks.

Heading Off Problems: The Benefits of Preventive Roof Maintenance

 

Think of preventive roof maintenance as "taking vitamins and drinking plenty of water" for your roof. Like vitamins and water help us from getting sick. Routine roof maintenance helps prevent problems with your roof before they occur. 

Don't wait for your roof to get sick before you take action - be proactive and give it the care it needs to stay healthy and protected. Here's a list of a few of the benefits you'll enjoy when you prioritize preventive roof maintenance.

Benefits of preventive roof maintenance:

  • Prolongs the life of your roof
  • This prevents small problems from becoming big, costly issues
  • Protects your home from water damage
  • Increases energy efficiency
  • Maintains the value and appearance of your home
  • Increases peace of mind knowing your roof is well-maintained

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Now let’s discuss what roof maintenance entails.

Getting to the Nitty Gritty: What is Roof Maintenance?

 

Wondering what happens when roofers come to perform maintenance on your roof? It's like a roof "check-up," where they look under the hood and check all the components to make sure everything is secure and sealed as it should be.

Just like how you take your car to the mechanic for an oil change and they perform a regular check-up. Your roof needs a little TLC (tender loving care) at least once or twice a year depending on the tree coverage. 

A roofer sealing nail pops on a shingle roof with caulk

Let's dive into what a typical roof maintenance visit entails and what your roof technician will be looking for:

  1. Cleaning the roof free of all debris, including tree limbs that may touch the roof
  2. Clearing gutters and downspouts of all debris
  3. Inspecting the roofing materials for wear and tear, cracks, or missing pieces
  4. Checking the roof deck for signs of water damage
  5. Checking the sealing of the flashings and all roof penetrations
  6. Inspecting the roof ventilation system to ensure proper airflow
  7. Checking the condition of skylights, chimneys, and mechanical vents

Now that you’ve learned the misconceptions, benefits, and what roof maintenance entails. You’re probably thinking... “How much does routine roof maintenance cost?"

And...

“Can I do it myself?”

DIY or Professional Help: What's the Best Choice for Your Roof?

 

So you're handy with a hammer and have tackled plenty of home improvement projects before. It's only natural to wonder if you can save some money by doing roof maintenance yourself.

loose cracking shingles in a metal valley

While there are certainly some small tasks you can handle, we highly recommend leaving the big stuff to the professionals. After all, your roof is one of the most important components of your home - you don't want to take any chances with it.

Putting a Price on Peace of Mind: The Cost of Roof Maintenance

 

When it comes to roof maintenance, the question on everyone's mind is usually “How much is it going to cost me?” The cost of roof maintenance varies depending on who you hire to do the work, where your house is located, and the complexity of the work involved.

Some roofing companies have maintenance programs set up just for the clients they put roofs on for.

But, here's what you can expect when it comes to the cost of roof maintenance:

On an average size home, you can expect to pay somewhere between $400 and $750 depending on the specific details of the roof. Details include how many visits per year, the steepness of the roof, and the number of gutters around the home.

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Roof Maintenance: The Surprising Truth and Key Takeaways

 

In conclusion, roof maintenance is a crucial aspect of homeownership that should not be ignored. From inspecting your roof for signs of wear and tear to cleaning the gutters and checking the ventilation system. With regular care, you can prolong the life of your roof, and prevent small problems from turning into costly issues. 

Protecting your home from water damage, maintaining its value, and enhancing the appearance of your home are some of the benefits. Regular maintenance is like a tune-up for your roof, and it should be taken seriously to keep your roof healthy and protected. And bonus, you get a safe and dry place to stay and peace of mind!

Don't wait for your roof to get sick before taking action. Be proactive and prioritize preventive roof maintenance. At RoofCrafters, we've been helping homeowners keep their roofs happy and healthy for over three decades. We know what it takes to keep a roof in top shape and we're here to help.

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Nicole Corson

At RoofCrafters, our mission is to provide job opportunities for others to thrive and grow while making a meaningful impact within our communities.