Checkups, furnaces get them, cars get them and insurance policies even get them!!! The roof however, languishes unchecked…until it leaks.
While the out of sight, out of mind approach is understandable, it does not solve the problem. Why do homeowners ignore the most critical component of their house? Let’s chalk it up to a lack of understanding of roofing components….a subject we can all agree is as riveting as watching paint dry. However, armed with a little knowledge and a roofing professional, you can avoid costly problems and unnecessary insurance claims.
Roofs are not complicated and really do not require maintenance like many other household fixtures. To properly maintain a roof you should know some things about it.
Do you know how old your roof is?
In the Atlanta area, the average service life of a shingled roof is 12-18yrs. If you do not know how old your roof is, maybe it’s time for a checkup, to benchmark the condition.
Do you know the type of ventilation on your roof?
Do you have ridge vents, low profile vents, power vents, etc.? A thorough roofing inspection can identify if the vents are still affixed and working properly. Additionally, is there adequate ventilation for the size of the roof? Improper ventilation will expedite the deterioration of the roof.
The rule of thumb is 1 square foot vent for every 300 square feet of roof. Unfortunately not all builders follow recommended construction techniques or use quality building materials.
Do you know the last time the components of the roof were replaced?
Even if the shingles were replaced in the past few years, were ALL the components changed? There are the vents, exhaust stacks, plumbing boots and valley metal. Many times we find a newer roof is leaking because the previous roofer left old components on it in an effort to save some money….(of course the homeowner paid for new ones). A roofing checkup can verify the type, quality and condition of all the roofing components.
REALLY, WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Because when something as simple as plumbing boot (rubber seal over a pipe vent) rots out, water will find its way into your attic, ceilings and walls to create a real mess. A roofing checkup from a professional roofer can identify potential maintenance issues. Avoiding an insurance claim, a big deductible and the mess associated with repairs are some of the benefits an ounce of prevention can provide.
Once you know the basics about your roof, you will be prepared to make well informed decisions about its maintenance. Hire a professional roofer to help you gather the information you need now, to avoid costly repairs later. Lastly, you should never pay for a checkup, whether it’s your roof or any household fixture. Contractors should be willing to invest their time in earning your business.
