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Look After Your Roof, and it will Look After Your Home!

Posted On Tuesday, 01 March 2022 19:54
Look After Your Roof, and it will Look After Your Home!

Your home's roof is one of those things that you probably take for granted until there is a problem. We easily spot potential issues within the house, but when they are twenty-foot above ground and may be out of sight, then it can be hard to see what problems there might be.

Thankfully we can rely on professional contractors to carry out safety checks for us. So, whether you need a Frisco Roofer or a local contractor in New Orleans, that removes all need for us to go up ladders ourselves!

Common Maintenance Tasks

We've identified five of the most common maintenance jobs that a roofing contractor undertakes to keep your roof in perfect order.

1. Removing Debris

It's not just leaves that can accumulate on the roof and gutters, but decaying branches along with dirt and dust can also cause problems. When this debris backs up, it can prevent the gutters from controlling the flow of water, and that could lead to leaks.

2. Check for Animal Intrusion

One of the most common problems that many homeowners will face is animal intrusion. Bats, rodents, and birds can all cause real damage to homes which is why it's essential to keep an eye out for any unwelcome guests. 

Did you know that house fires are often caused by animals chewing through electrical cables? Keeping them out prevents the problem to begin with.

3. Check for loose or missing caulking

Caulking is a waterproof sealant that is often used to seal roof gaps and joints and repair minor roof leaks. It's also used to watertight any exposed nail heads on roof penetration flanges which are the exposed areas on top of the shingles. 

Over time, the caulking will begin to break down, and as a result, leaks can start to appear. A roofing contractor will check the seals to ensure that it's still waterproof or replace the caulking when needed.

4. Check the pipe boots for any signs of cracks or wear and tear.

Pipe boots sit at the connection between two roof sections, and they help to ensure that water flows in the right direction. The boot also prevents the water from seeping back up under the shingles. 

Over time, the boots can begin to crack. One of the key reasons for this happening is because of the natural contraction and expansion that our roofs do during the different seasons of the year. Then the sun or other extreme weather can cause cracking. When boots crack, then they allow water to seep into your home.

5. Check Shingle Quality

When it comes to materials, contractors often suggest high-quality asphalt shingles due to their superior resistance against wind uplift. This, in turn, makes them suitable for steep roofs. 

Shingles are usually made of fiberglass or another form of synthetic fabric. This strengthens them while also making them easier to work with when it comes to installation.

A roofing contractor will look out for the following signs that will tell them that the shingles need replacing.

  • Curling at the edges
  • Granules missing on the shingles, creating bald spots 
  • Cracked shingles.

Tips for Finding a Roofing Contractor

If you can now see that an inspection is overdue, or you already know that there are some issues with your home's roof, then the next step is to find a roofing contractor. Here are our top tips to help you find the perfect professional.

Ask friends and family

Personal recommendations are a great way to find a contractor. Not only are you getting information on the quality of the work completed but also on the other factors that can make a huge difference to the success of the job. This can include whether they turned up on time, whether they left rubbish lying around and if they were polite and easy to do business with.

Check if they are insured

All tradespeople should carry insurance. This should cover the risk of damage being done to your home and also provide cover for the contractor should there be an accident while undertaking the work.

Independent Contractor or Roofing Company?

So here we're talking about the difference between a roofer who has a business and a company that employs a team of roofers to work for them. There are pros and cons to each; which one you choose will depend on the work you need doing and your own personal circumstances.

Independent roofing contractors are often a great option for quick repairs. Because it's just them, then larger jobs may take longer than using a company that has a team of roofers to deploy.  

Some individuals may specialize in particular types of roofs or materials, s do check that in advance.  

Roofing companies may offer discounts or work with a wider range of materials. However, you may be dealing with different people throughout the project, and there may be less value, to them, in completing a smaller job for you rather than going for the big contracts.

Our Conclusion

No matter who you use to maintain your roof, it's essential to ensure that it's checked on a regular basis. That becomes even more important before the winter comes and after there have been high winds and storms.

Once your roof is in top condition, then your home can stay dry and snug!

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