A new roof looks good and it makes you feel good. Your home is covered. Your belongings are safe. Your family is protected. Your curb appeal is at a record high.
But now that you’ve invested in a new roof, you shouldn’t just forget about it for the next few decades.
Make sure you know the five most important things about taking care of your new roof and making sure you get the most out of your investment.
1. You Have Warranty Coverage, But There Are Conditions
Yes, your new roof came with a lengthy warranty, but that doesn’t mean you are off the hook for maintenance. If you read the fine print, you will see that your warranty includes certain conditions that you have to follow.
For example, if something goes wrong, you can’t call any old roofing contractor in the phone book. You have to make sure you get the original installer back on site for the workmanship warranty to stay valid. Get to know the details of your warranty so you can maximize its coverage.
2. Gutter Maintenance Is So Important
Your gutters aren’t just for show. They are an integral part of keeping your home dry and your roof intact. Letting the leaves and debris pile up is not recommended. It can lead to fascia and soffit rot and an increased risk of ice dams in the winter.
Clear out your gutters periodically and dislodge any blockages in the downspouts.
3. Leaks CAN Be Fixed
A new roof shouldn’t leak. But if it does, don’t panic. Call your contractor and let them diagnose the problem.
The areas that are most susceptible to leaking are underneath the flashing, but leaks can easily show up in one place but originate from another. They’re not always easy to find. Let your roofing contractor know right away when you notice a leak, and they will get to the bottom of it.
4. You Should Never Climb on Your Roof
This is important — don’t climb on your roof. It’s extremely dangerous. A fall can cause severe injury or even death. Unless you have specific training and all the right safety equipment, you shouldn’t be on your roof.
Also, climbing on your roof can damage the surface. You may end up harming more than you help. Stay off the roof and depend on professionals to fix minor issues.
5. Regular Maintenance Is a Worthwhile Investment
It’s worth it to have a contractor inspect your roof annually. When minor issues are resolved early on, your new roof continues to perform like new for years. It’s a small price to pay for guaranteed roofing protection.
Call the Roof Doctor today for new roof maintenance or a free quote for your next replacement project.