Roofer

Roofing Resolutions for the New Year

Make Sure Your Roof Is Ready for the Coming Year

Are you someone who likes to make New Year's resolutions? If so, how often do you include your roof? Many people look forward to turning a new leaf in the new year, and January is a great time to take stock of your roof and get prepared for the year to come. Whether you want to learn more about how your roof works, get better at scheduling roof maintenance or you want to be able to identify the signs of a roof repair problem, now is a great time to sit down and make a plan.

This year, as you think about your goals for your home, resolve to make your roof a priority.

Resolve to Get to Know Your Roof

Your roof is more than just the visible shingles and materials you can see. It is comprised of several layers, both inside and outside of your home, that work together to keep your home watertight, insulated, and protected. Some of the external elements include the shingles, flashing, ventilation system, and drainage system. What you can't see are the rafters, joists, decking, and underlayment membranes that work to support and seal your roof.

Most homeowners don't have a full appreciation for how their roof works to protect them from the elements. Knowledge is power. The more you know about your roof, the better care you can give it. Having a basic understanding of your roof's construction and how the system functions can save you money and time on repairs.

To learn more about how your roof works, review our blog here.

What Type of Roofing Material Do You Have?

We often take our roofing materials for granted. However, your roofing materials affect more than your home's aesthetics. Different types of roofing materials have distinct advantages, protective qualities, and lifespans. The construction of your roof will often dictate the types of roofing materials available to you. For example, if you have a pitched roof construction, you may have shingles, shake, or tile. If you have a flat roof construction, you may have a foam or modified roof.

If you aren't sure what type of roofing you have, ask your roofing specialist the next time they come by to perform an inspection or maintenance. They can provide you with an overview of what type of material and roof construction you have, how it works, and what you can do to extend its lifespan.

Resolve to Schedule Annual Maintenance

One of the best (and easiest!) things you can do for your roof this year is schedule an annual inspection and maintenance visit with a professional. While your roof is designed to last for decades, the only way to get the most out of it is to keep it well-maintained. This includes making repairs and replacing worn-out or damaged parts.

While the average homeowner can do a lot to help maintain their roof, a professional roofer has the knowledge and experience to catch the issues you may miss. Working with a professional can bring you peace of mind knowing your roof is receiving the best possible care.

The benefits of professional roof maintenance include:

  • Fewer repair problems
  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Extended lifespan of your existing roof
  • Reduced maintenance costs overall

Tips for DIY Roof Maintenance

There is a lot you can do in between your professional maintenance visits to keep your roof in good condition. One of the best things you can do is keep leaves and debris cleared from your roof. When leaves, twigs, and branches accumulate on your roof, they can block drainage and cause water and moisture to be pushed up into your roofing materials, causing leaks and other damage.

You can also pay attention to signs of pests such as rodents and birds roosting on your roof. Squirrels, rats, and pigeons are some of the most destructive pests, and they can wreak havoc on your roof. If you see signs of a pest invasion, repair any damage and work with local pest control to eradicate the pests.

Make it a habit to visually inspect your roof regularly. When you are more familiar with your roof, and what it looks like on a day-to-day basis, you are more likely to notice smaller repair issues that you might otherwise miss.

Resolve to Make Repairs

After roof maintenance, one way to ensure you get the most out of your roofing is to repair any problems you discover right away. Though a missing shingle or a cracked tile may seem inconsequential, these small problems represent a weak point in your roof. This weakness can expose your roof to more substantial damage.

Signs you need roof repair include:

  • Holes in, or visible damage to, your roof
  • Sagging spots on your roof
  • Pooling water
  • Missing or cracked shingles
  • Moss or other plant growth
  • Visible sun damage or deterioration of your roofing materials
  • Water staining or mold growth inside your home

Why Working with a Professional Roofer Matters

Because roofing systems are so complicated, repairs are best left to professionals. Often what seems like a small problem extends into the internal structures of your roof. Additionally, it is important to understand how and why the repair issue occurred so that you can prevent it from happening again. A skilled roofing professional can resolve your repair issue and inspect your roof to ensure that there are no other problems. If you have questions about roof repairs, reach out to Lyons Roofing today.