Your roof has a natural aging process, not unlike our own human body, and it’s usually accounted for by the manufacturer and roofing contractor. But when signs of damage appear before the expected service life is up, you’re going to have to deal with sudden roof repair costs. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid premature roof failure, allowing you to make the most out of your investment. These include:
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Considering Your Local Environment
Since your roof is the primary line of defense you have against the elements, you need to consider the local conditions it must endure. The local climate, seasonal changes, pollution, and extreme weather all play a role in the aging of your roof, with physical effects easily accelerating the process especially when the type of roof isn’t particularly suited for local conditions. For instance, asphalt shingles don’t do well in areas with high heat. This is why those living in these areas find themselves needing replacements sooner than their counterparts in cooler areas.
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Addressing Material-Specific Concerns
Wear and tear manifests in different ways. Understanding what causes certain signs of damage to show will help you in figuring out not just to address them but possibly also even prevent them from developing in the first place.
Asphalt shingles can curl as the granules break away over time and the shingle reinforcement resists the shrinking. They also become brittle as the oils in the asphalt are depleted due to the constant heat, and may cause surface cracks to develop. Blisters are often caused by the lack of ventilation from the interior of the house, while staining and discoloration can occur because of algae growth.
As for tile roofing, it features interlocking edges that are normally thinner than the other parts of the tile, which is where cracks are likely to develop when the roofing material constantly expands due to heat or improper installation. Slate roofing, on the other hand, can last for decades but it can also be fragile when delaminated due to UV radiation and moisture cycles.
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Employing Routine Maintenance and Inspection
Even when your roof is built to last, it will still benefit from receiving some TLC from you every now and then. Exact maintenance tasks will vary depending on the roof but you have to make sure you have yours cleaned at least once a year. Scheduling roofing maintenance and inspection annually will not only ensure that your roof performs as it should but that it remains visually appealing as well. Not to mention the savings you’ll enjoy! Smaller problems are easier to fix, after all, meaning they are less costly to address.
The Professional Touch
It’s impossible to completely avoid roofing problems so, should any arise, make sure that you only entrust your roof to a reputable contractor. Armed with experience and knowledge, a reputable contractor will do easy work of roofing problems, big or small, getting your roof back into shape in no time.
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Author Bio:
Chris Spacek is the son of Bud “Papa” Spacek, the owner of West Side Roofing that started in the 1950s. After more than five decades in the industry, Chris’ father made a major step-back and gave the full management to Chris and Chris’ brother, Jamie. Together, the two brothers assist in the growth of the family business. Chris focuses on the residential side of the business while Jamie concentrates on the commercial side.
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