The roof is the most critical element for any home as it protects the property and its residents from outside weather elements such as rain, heat, and storms. It’s important to have a solid roof maintenance plan to keep your roof in top-notch condition.

Ideally, older roofs (past 15 years) should be inspected at least annually, preferably in autumn before winter weather sets in. Otherwise, it’s recommended to have your new roof inspected after the first five years, then every other year until age 15. The only exception is after a hostile storm hits your area. You should schedule an immediate inspection with a professional roofer to determine the extent of the damage and recommend corrective measures.

Roof maintenance typically involves early identification and repair of roofing problems to help provide a long-lasting roofing system. Creating a formal roof maintenance plan is the first step in an overall roof maintenance program.

Benefits of a Solid Roof Maintenance Plan

Aside from helping your roof last to its full potential and avoiding the need for major repairs, there are many other benefits to keeping up with your roof maintenance schedule. They include:

Helps Catch Problems Early

Keeping up with your roof maintenance can help catch problems early and eliminate the need for large, costly repairs down the line. For instance, identifying a small leak and fixing it promptly can save you huge costs in the long run. However, neglecting the damage for years may result in structural issues which may eventually require a total roof replacement too soon.

Increases the Lifespan of Your Roof

Just like your car needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly, your roof needs maintenance throughout its lifespan. Regular maintenance will help your roof last as long as possible. Although all types of roofing materials come with an expected lifespan, proper maintenance will help your roof reach or even surpass its lifespan. Alternatively, when minor problems are not fixed promptly you may need to replace your roof sooner.

Helps Save You Money

Regularly maintaining your roof can save you money. If you consistently neglect small roof problems, they can over time develop into larger issues and cost you more to fix. In worse case scenarios, minor problems can grow into huge structural damages. Typically, the small cost of routine roof maintenance is worth it when you consider the cost of major roof and home repairs or a full replacement.

Gives You Peace of Mind

Having your roof regularly inspected and maintained will give you peace of mind knowing everything is in optimal condition. Regular maintenance will help you know whether or not your roof is structurally sound.

Important Things to Include in Roof Maintenance

Your roofing contractor will follow a roof maintenance checklist covering these areas:

Roofing Inspection – Regular inspection is the most important part of a roof maintenance plan. Roof inspections should be done at least once every year to ensure your roof stays structurally sound. During the inspection, your roofer will look out for issues with your shingles, trusses, rafters, sheathing materials, and gutters.
Cleaning Shingles and Gutters – Keeping your roof clean will make your home more aesthetically appealing and extend the life of your roof. Moss, algae, lichens, and fungus can grow in moist environments and spread rapidly, eating into shingles and other roofing materials such as asphalt and limestone. Your roofer will clear any dirt and debris on your shingles and gutters to prevent these elements from damaging your roof.
Maintaining a Proper Budget – Having a solid roof maintenance plan will help you maintain a budget and allocate funds towards maintenance and restoration. It’s a wise idea to spend a predictable amount on your roof every year than spending a huge amount after massive damage has occurred.
Keeping Detailed Records – Since reputable roofing contractors often issue a warranty after every job, its critical to keep detailed records to help you know when roof repairs are still covered under the warranty. Details such as installation date, inspection date, repair date, and details of repairs are important during roof maintenance.

Work with a Roof Maintenance Expert

Having a trusted roofer regularly working on your roof means they will get to know you and your roof and help you take better care of it. It is critical to get the best local roofing contractor for the assurance your roof will stay healthy up to its lifespan. From new roof installation to repairs, maintenance, and replacement, you can trust roofing specialists at S&S Roofing to deliver the most efficient and dependable roofing services in Arlington, WA. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.