Congratulations! After years of saving and planning, you’ve finally purchased your first home. As a homeowner, you now carry the great responsibility of protecting your investment in this property. In your first few years of homeownership, you’ll likely learn a lot about how homes work – from the HVAC system to the plumbing to the roof over your head. Today we’re exploring what new homeowners should know about roofs so that you understand the basics of roof maintenance and the importance of hiring a professional roofer for repairs.
What New Homeowners Should Know About Roofs
Schedule annual roof inspections.
The key to avoiding major, costly repairs is to schedule preventative maintenance. Each year, a professional roofer should inspect your roof to identify problem spots and repair them before they escalate. This will also help you lengthen the lifespan of your roof.
Your roof won’t last forever.
Your house may last for centuries, but the average roof must be replaced every few decades. The lifespan of a roof varies based on the roofing material and how well it has been maintained; some will require replacement after 15 years, while others can endure for 50 years or more.
Before you purchased your home, you should have asked the previous owners about its age, any recent repairs, and any warranty information (recent repairs often come with transferable warranties). Keep this information in mind as you plan your household budget going forward. If you purchased a house with an old roof, you may be buying a brand-new roof in a few years.
Keep loose debris, algae, and moss off your roof.
To maintain your roof and prevent damage, keep it clear of debris, such as leaves, branches, pine needles, and twigs. Avoid cleaning your roof after a storm; wait until it’s dry. And unless you feel very confident being on your roof, we recommend hiring a professional roofer to clear your roof. You can ask for this task to be completed during your annual roof inspection.
If you notice algae or moss on your roof shingles, schedule a roof cleaning. If you let the algae and moss sit on roof, they can damage your shingles and cause the roof to age prematurely.
Maintain your gutter system.
We can’t discuss roof maintenance without also discussing gutters. Your roof’s gutters and downspouts direct rainwater from the roof to the ground in a way that prevents pooling, flooding, and property damage, so it’s important that you keep an eye on your gutter system and maintain it. Gutters with holes, gaps, or cracks can leak, causing rainwater to pool near the house. This could lead to foundation damage and erosion. Gutters that are filled with debris or improperly sloped will prevent draining through the downspout, which can cause water to seep under the shingles and damage your roof.
Clean out your gutters periodically and look for signs of damage. If your house is more than one story, you will likely need to hire a professional for this job. In addition, note that homes with trees that overhang the roof will need more frequent gutter cleanings, especially if those trees are pine trees, which are notorious for clogging up gutters with their needles.
Keep an eye on your roof.
Examine your roof from time to time, especially after a thunderstorm, heavy snowfall, or ice accumulation. Look closely at the areas most likely to have leaks: around skylights, vents, flashing, and chimneys. In addition, know that leaks aren’t always obvious inside your home, like you might see on movies and TV shows. You probably won’t spot water dripping from one spot in the ceiling (or need a bucket to catch the leaking water). Instead, you might notice bubbling paint, a discolored wall, water stains on your ceiling, mold, curling shingles, damaged flashing, granule loss, or algae on the roof.
Schedule repairs promptly.
As soon as you notice an issue with your roof, call a professional roofer to schedule a repair. It’s important that you leave the repairs to the professionals because you could damage your roof by walking on it or repairing it poorly. More importantly, you could slip and fall attempting to repair your roof – which could have grave consequences.
Keep your roofer’s number handy.
Problems with a roof can arise at a moment’s notice and at any time of year, and if you don’t act fast, they may escalate into major issues. Be proactive and find a reputable roofer before you desperately need one.
If you live in southwest Missouri, you’re in luck! The experts at Taylor-Made Roofing can assist you with all your roofing needs. We’ve been in business for more than 20 years, and we’re committed to providing top-notch roofing services, from inspections and minor repairs to full roof replacements. If you have any questions about what new homeowners should know about roofs, we would be happy to share our wisdom. Call us at 417-326-8778 to set up a consultation or roofing service.