While the roof may not be something you think about daily, it plays a vital role in protecting your home from weather and other outside elements. It, therefore, makes sense to have a solid maintenance plan to help keep your roof in top-notch condition for years to come. In most cases, roof problems occur due to poor maintenance or old age. Having your roof inspected at least once every year can help determine if it needs any repairs. Additionally, roof maintenance provides the following benefits:
- It helps catch problems early and make repairs before they escalate into huge problems
- Increases the lifespan of your roof
- Saves you money by addressing minor issues before they result in costly roof replacements
- Maintenance gives you peace of mind knowing you have a solid roof over your head
How to Determine Roof Maintenance Costs
Many homeowners often plan their yearly roof maintenance budgets based on the previous year’s budget, which may not always be the best approach. Several factors play into the cost of roof maintenance, so understanding these parameters can help you budget for maintenance.
The Age of Your Roof
New roofs will typically cost less to maintain. Your roofer may only need to inspect the overall condition of your shingles and clean the gutters of any debris accumulation. However, older roofs nearing the end of their lifespans may require extensive repairs such as replacing cracked or worn shingles, installing flashing, or underlayment, which raises the maintenance cost.
Type of roof
Your roof type will obviously influence the total cost of maintenance. Roofing materials will vary in cost, and roofs with higher pitches usually cost more in labor and material cost than those with a flat or low pitch.
Extent of damage
The extent and depth of roof damage will determine the time, labor, and materials required for the project. Your roofer will estimate the material cost per square footage of the area requiring repair. Fixing a repair before it becomes major will take less time and labor.
Hidden Damages
During the inspection, your roofer might discover hidden damages to your roof’s underlayment, flashing, chimney, or skylight. All these repairs will add to the cost of maintenance.
Always Work with a Reputable Local Roofing Contractor!
If you are truly at a loss about budgeting for your roof maintenance, the fastest solution is to talk to a professional roofing contractor. A good roofer will be happy to answer any questions you have about your estimate and will not try to hide information from you. Just because your roof doesn’t leak now may not mean it won’t develop problems over the coming years. Contact S&S Roofing in Arlington, WA, to ensure your roof is never neglected and your maintenance budget is on target.