Owning a home comes with many responsibilities. It can seem like one part of your house or another is always in need of repair. It’s too easy for homeowners to ignore their roof until it is in desperate need of repairs. Having a long term roofing plan can save you tons of money by allowing you to:
- Fix problems when they are small
- Repair or replace your roof before water damage affects the remainder of your home.
Whether you have recently purchased a house or have lived in it for a while, it is a good idea to have the roof inspected by a professional. They will be able to advise you of any minor repairs that should be done and can let you know the approximate remaining life you can expect from your roof. This will allow you to plan for the eventual replacement of your roof and perform maintenance that may extend the life of your roof, saving you money.
Inspect the roof of your home regularly. In the Ottawa area, with harsh winter and summer conditions, at least two inspections yearly are ideal. A yearly roof inspection in the fall will enable you to have any necessary repairs done before winter. Performing another inspection in the spring will allow you to determine if the harsh winter weather has caused any damage.
Take notes about any concerns that you have so you can refresh your memory the next time you inspect your roof. Otherwise, it can be difficult to determine if any problem areas are worsening. It can be a good idea to take pictures of any problems as they develop, particularly if your roof, or any part of it is under warranty.
When inspecting your roof, look for the following signs of problems:
- Worn patches at the peaks or in the creases
- Missing or loose shingles
- Soft spots under the shingles
- Cracks, holes or standing water, particularly around the back of chimneys and fixtures
- Rust or dents in metal roofs
- Ponding water, debris or plants on low-slope or flat roofs
Correct small problems before they become major problems. If you notice any areas of particular concern, have them checked out by a professional. Addressing problems when they are small will save you considerable money because you can prevent the big problems from ever happening.
Leaks in your roof can affect the structural integrity of your home, as well as the interior finishes. Leaks can also cause the growth of mold in your home, which has been linked to serious health problems.
By taking care of your roof, you can extend the life of your roof as well as prevent damage to the rest of your home. Having a long term roofing plan can save you tons of money by putting you in control of when and why you spend money on your roof.
Roofmaster Ottawa is a local roofing company that takes pride in their ability to locate and fix difficult-to-find leaks and problem areas. A couple hundred on a thorough roof inspection can save you thousands in the future.
