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How Often Should I Get My Roof Inspected?

How Often Should I Get My Roof Inspected_

Your home’s roof is your ultimate protection from the elements, so it makes sense you would keep it well-maintained. However, a professional inspection isn’t a priority for many homeowners, so when a major storm comes up and damages the roof, it can also damage your budget. The time for getting an inspection is just as important as getting one. Keep reading to find out how often to schedule a roof inspection.

 

When to Have Your Roof Inspected

Most homeowners will recognize damage after a major storm hits and hail or wind tear off shingles or throw tree branches against the house or on the roof. Still, that’s not the only time you should inspect your roof; the recommended time is in the fall before winter sets in. Too cold and it could compromise a newly installed roof since new shingles can’t properly seal it down when it’s frigid. Also, trying to repair a roof when it’s icy can be extremely hazardous, so most homeowners wait until next spring to fix it.

 

Professional Vs. Homeowner Inspection

There are simple things a homeowner can do when inspecting their roof and without needing to get up on the roof to check. Flapping or missing shingles can be seen with good binoculars. If your roof is fairly new and doesn’t show interior water damage or hasn’t been exposed to major weather events, you can likely perform an inspection from the ground and a quick check for attic leaks. Other damage may not be so simple and can’t be seen from an untrained eye. This is where a professional comes into play. 

For a more comprehensive roof inspection, a professional is best since they have the training and experience needed to do a thorough inspection. If your roof is older and you want a seasonal inspection, you need a reputable roofing contractor. They can look for leaks, abnormal wear and tear, improper shingle installation or other previous repairs, and damage caused by debris from winds or hail. The inspection is broken into four categories: materials, interiors, structure, and workmanship, which includes looking for

 

To Schedule a Consultation, Call The Roof Doctor

If after a roof inspection shows you need roof repair or replacement, we’re available here at The Roof Doctor. Some of the repairs we do include dirty gutters, cracked sealant, cracked plastic vents, and cracked plastic pipe flashings.

Our licensed roofing contractors take extra precautions to ensure yours and their safety during this time, so reach out and get a free roofing estimate today. 

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What Should I Know About Roof Maintenance?

What Should I Know About Roof Maintenance_

Your roof is an integral part of your home that protects it from weather, falling debris, and critters. You may not think about its condition until there’s damage. By then, it may be a too little too late scenario and a hefty repair bill that follows. Read about what you should know for maintaining your roof to ensure it lasts for decades.

Roof Maintenance

Since your roof can last upwards of twenty-five years with proper maintenance, it’s important you know what things you need to know about, so your roof lasts. First, it’s vital to inspect your roof twice a year and look for lifting, curling, cracked, or missing shingles, buckling, leaking, sagging or broken gutters, or a damaged drip edge—issues you don’t want to ignore. Here are some maintenance tips to ensure your roof stays in good condition.

 

Tips on Maintaining Your Roof

Clean the gutters at least a few times a year and particularly before and after a storm hits. Water can back up and rot the fascia if gutters become clogged. 

Trim high trees since one good storm can cause weak branches to crash into your roof. It’s vital that trees stay trimmed and away from your home.

Look up and check for buckling, loose, or missing flashing, as well as any missing or exposed fasteners or granules.

Re-Caulk, if needed. If a builder applied low-grade caulking at the time of installation, the flashings might not stay sealed.

Check the insulation to ensure you have proper insulation and ventilation in your attic; this helps keep your roof in good condition by preventing ice dams from forming and decreasing moisture. Also, look for any leaks in your attic or ceilings for any water stains. Some common signs of water damage include a musty odor in individual rooms, spots on your exterior walls, bulging patches of your interior walls, and water stains on ceilings.

Wash your roof. With age, your roof will start to look dirty. Long, dark streaks flow from peak to eave, which means algae is growing. Don’t leave this for too long, or it will rot your shingles. To eliminate algae, spray your roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach. 

Consider getting a professional roof inspection done. An expert can spot potential issues you may not see, as well as offer tips for roof maintenance you might not know about. They can also tell you the condition your roof is in and how long it will last. Getting an annual inspection increases your chances of discovering issues before they result in high repair or replacement costs. A typical roof inspection can cost from $250 to $650, depending on size.

 

The Roof Doctor Can Help

If you need expert help with your roof, contact us. Our professionals will come and inspect your roof and inform you of their findings. We’re here to ensure your roof continues to last for years to come with high-quality products and services.

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Tips For Maintaining Your Roof During The Winter

Tips For Maintaining Your Roof During The Winter

Wintertime can wreak havoc, not just on the streets, but on our roofs as well. A particularly bad winter hit in 1993, when heavy snow blanketed the area. The resulting two feet of snow landing on roofs seriously increased the risk of collapse. It was recommended that people remove as much as they could to prevent damage. While this extreme example doesn’t happen every winter, it’s an important reminder to be mindful of the roof over our heads!

Keep reading to learn about routine wintertime roof maintenance.

Ways To Maintain Your Roof During Winter

Remove Snow Quickly

It may look innocent, but as stated above, heavy snow can damage a roof, especially if the roof is old or in need of repair. Remove snow as soon as possible. It is necessary to check for ice as well, as it further contributes to the heaviness of snow on your roof. When left too long, ice melt creates what’s known as an ‘ice dam’, thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves. When temps drop below freezing, the melted ice refreezes, resulting in a dam inside or around your gutters. This can back up any runoff precipitation, potentially causing loose shingles and even leakage.

Check For Wind Damage

Along with snow and ice, wind can also do major damage to roofs. Wind damage can rip off portions of your roof that may be hard to see, so you must check for broken, missing, or damaged shingles and other roofing materials. If not fixed, these vulnerable areas will do more than just cause leaks; they will increase the likelihood of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Repair Flashing

Roof maintenance includes checking your existing flashing for problems. What is flashing? Flashing is a protective material fabricated from a rust-resistant metal that is applied around roof protrusions such as the base of chimneys and roof vents, as well as several other areas. Over time, it can warp and loosen, so it’s important to check this yearly. If it’s damaged, show and ice can enter your roof more freely. If too much water builds up, it can cause interior leaks.

Inspect Your Gutters

Gutters are especially susceptible to freezing precipitation. Check them regularly for signs of ice dams. A telltale sign they need cleaning is icicles hanging from them, which can mean your gutters are already plugged. If they’re filled with ice, they can weaken and be unable to sustain all the weight. This results in the gutters tearing away from your home, causing significant structural damage that can bite you in the wallet.

Check Your Attic

Routine roof maintenance isn’t only on your home’s exterior. When performing your roof maintenance, check to ensure your attic has enough insulation, which includes stable ventilation routes. Keeping the airflow consistent helps keep your roof protected.

Contact The Roof Doctor

Need help? If you’re in the Salt Lake City or Northern Utah area, please contact us for a free roofing estimate and let our experts come out and inspect your roof. We perform storm damage repairs In addition to our installation services. You can count on us to fix any issues so that you can rest, worry-free, this winter. Don’t wait!