Roofs of all kinds require proper maintenance if they are going to last long. In the case of serious damage, repairing the roof is the best course of action to take. Even though both roof maintenance and repair can be done using the DIY process. Finding a good roofer in Huntsville who can give you professional roof repair and maintenance services is preferable as it assures you that your roof is in good hands and you don’t cause further damage to your home.
This article gives a comprehensive guide on how to maintain and repair your roof.
What Is Roof Maintenance and Repair?
Roof maintenance and roof repair are two different things entirely, however, they go hand in hand. Roof maintenance is a series of actions taken to ensure that your roofs are kept in good shape. It is a periodic check, which can be done annually or bi-annually, to remove dirt, fix holes, and other necessary actions.
In the process of roof maintenance, if major damage such as a big crack, missing slate, and huge rust are noticed, then a roof repair process can be engaged. The roof repair process seeks to fix any faults or inadequacies on the roof.
In a nutshell, roof maintenance seeks to maintain and possibly prevent damage to the roof, while roof repair seeks to fix any fault on the roof. When attention is not paid to roof maintenance and repair, you will be left with no choice but to replace your roof after a long period of serious damage. Roof maintenance and repair are very important because they cost less than replacement.
Ways To Maintain And Repair Your Roof
Having discovered the meaning and importance of roof maintenance and repair, you must be curious to know how to go about them. For a DIY owner, here are a few things to do to maintain and repair your roof:
Carry Out Inspections
The first thing to start with while maintaining and repairing your roof is to inspect it. Carry out an inspection from inside and outside to identify areas that need to be cleaned and fixed. Find out anywhere there is sagging or possible occurring of leaking. You should also look out for missing slates, missing curlings, shingled roofs, and damaged tiles.
Check the Vents, Chimneys, and Flashings
These three areas, vents, chimney, and flashing, are always neglected by owners when carrying out maintenance, and that needs to be corrected. You must check and ensure that there is no damage around the vents and chimney. They must equally be sealed from water leakages. The flashings must also be checked to ensure they are not bent and still in alignment. Flashing should also be re-caulked and re-polished.
Remove Rust
Rust is an indication that leakages may occur at any time. Painstakingly look for rust in the gutters, flashings, and vent pipes. Remove the rusted material with a galvanized option if there is one. Better still, you can re-paint if it is just surface rust.
Clean the Gutter
You must pay adequate attention to the gutter while performing maintenance on the roof. The gutter can be cleaned using a hose to remove unnecessary water and debris from this area. It is usually a hectic process. Therefore, it’s best to employ a professional.
Remove Mold, Fungi, and Algae
Molds are enemies of your roof. They spread quickly and can cause serious damage to the roof by weakening the slates. If the spread is minimal, you can make an effort to remove using hide; otherwise, you will need a professional. Removing fungi and algae is also beneficial to the roof and yourself. If not removed, they can spread into other areas of the room, which can be unhealthy.
Check the Fascia and Soffit
The fascia and soffit are two areas you must also give attention to while maintaining your roof. Insects and birds often cause cracks and damage to this area which may serve as a passage for water and invasive animals. You must replace any rotten material or patch it up if necessary.
Roof maintenance and repair are important actions to take to ensure your property is in good shape. They are also necessary to ensure that your house and family are safe from invasive insects, animals, and unhealthy organisms. You can also protect your home’s value with regular roof maintenance. Roof maintenance saves you money compared to neglecting maintenance and carrying out a replacement in the long run.
