Finding a Balance Between DIY Upkeep & Professional Care
You have likely heard that your roof should be inspected and maintained by a professional roofer annually. This is true. Professional roofing maintenance is critical in keeping your roof in good condition and ensuring that you enjoy your roof's full lifespan. But is there anything you can do as a homeowner between annual inspections? And are there instances where you should schedule additional professional maintenance? The answer to both of these questions is yes.
Below we review what you can do as a homeowner to keep your roof well-maintained and provide some guidance on when to call in the professionals for some extra help.
DIY Roof Maintenance Tips
The first thing you can do is schedule some time to inspect your roof every month. This doesn't take long and can be completed in just a few minutes. Start by walking around your property, and look at the visible parts of your roof – pay attention to the shingles, flashing, drainage system, and areas around your chimney, skylights, and other roof installations. The goal of your visual inspection should be to look for signs of damage or wear on your roof.
Things to look for when performing a visual inspection of your roof include:
- Cracked, broken, or missing shingles
- Rusted or damaged flashing
- Peeling or bubbling shingles
- Granule loss on shingles
- Signs of plant, moss, or algae growth
- Debris buildup
- Signs that pests are roosting or nesting on your roof
Once you have visually inspected the exterior of your roof, you can go inside your attic and take a look at the underside of your roofing system. Roof trusses and rafters should be clean and solid, with no rotting or water damage signs. Your attic should also be dry, not overly humid, nor should you smell mold or mildew growth. The roof decking should also be even, securely installed, and dry. If your attic is finished and you cannot see your trusses and decking, look for signs of water staining or leaks on your ceiling.
If you notice any signs of water damage or other problems, reach out to Lyons Roofing for a professional roof inspection.
Why Professional Roof Maintenance Is Important
As a homeowner, there is a lot you can do to ensure that your roof remains in good shape. However, when it comes to routine maintenance, you are always better off working with a professional roofer like Lyons Roofing. Working with an experienced roofing team can help ensure that any repairs are completed effectively and that routine maintenance is handled thoroughly and safely.
Some of the benefits of professional maintenance include:
- Regular detailed inspections by experienced roofers
- Smaller issues that a homeowner may miss are caught and repaired
- Guidance from professionals when it comes to planning for future roof replacements
- Someone to turn to when you have questions about your roofing
In addition to these benefits, having regular roofing maintenance scheduled with a professional roofer can help you protect your roofing warranty. Because your roof is constantly subjected to the elements, you must keep it in good repair to ensure that your warranty isn't voided. Working with a professional roofer can go a long way in helping you achieve this.
When to Call a Roofer Between Maintenance Visits
Annual maintenance is incredibly important, but so is knowing when to call in a professional roofer between your yearly service appointment. A good rule of thumb is to call a roofer for an inspection whenever you suspect something has compromised the integrity of your roof. For example, you should schedule an inspection if you see signs of a leak or a major storm comes through and you lose a couple of shingles. Even seemingly small issues can lead to significant damage down the road and should not be ignored.
Additionally, it is always recommended that you hire a professional roofing contractor to manage roofing repairs instead of trying to DIY them yourself. Roofers are more adept at safely working on a roof, and they can ensure that the problem is truly resolved. It is not uncommon for the signs of a repair issue to appear in one place when the root of the problem is in another. This is especially true of roof leaks. The last thing you want is to think you've solved the problem only to have it crop back up again. This is a waste of time and money, especially since you usually have to call out a professional anyway.
If you need help establishing a maintenance routine or have questions about a roofing issue, reach out to Lyons Roofing. We are just a phone call away.