The roof of a home is one of the most important construction components of your property and should be given proper maintenance and upkeep in order to ensure that you and those who reside under it remain protected. Not only does it provide shade and shelter, but a roof can also have quite the impact on a property as it is the one layer between all of Mother Natures elements and what lies beneath. However, many homeowners don’t pay much attention to this protective barrier until its too late but once theres a leak or breach in the system – its priority number one to get it fixed. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that can be addressed in order to ensure that not only is a roof performing at a high level but also remains in the shape necessary to serve its purpose right now and well into the future. This can help tremendously, even as time passes along with the different weather patterns and seasons associated with the environment wherever you are located.
Depending on the material, how long you can expect a roof to last vary a few years. In general, depending on weather patterns and exposure most roof installations will exist for roughly 20-30 years before needing to be replaced. Given the time period and cost, it is easy to see why homeowners consider this to be a big investment but the purpose and protection provided also make it one of the most critical aspects of any property. As the seasons change it can serve as a simple reminder to administer some routine maintenance to the roof which can impact its lifespan and serviceability. Doing so can not only extend the life of your structure but also help to ensure that everything lying beneath remains safe. The approaching winter should signal time to make a few adjustments and consider completing projects to not only aid in the preservation of your roof but also in keeping your property well maintained.
Debris Removal
Clearing off your roof is the first step in helping to prepare for the upcoming winter months. As snow accumulates and melts, ensuring that the flow of water is unobstructed can be extremely important to protect your property. By first eliminating any debris that remains atop a roof, homeowners can rest easy knowing they are taking preventative measures in order to remain safe. Instead of waiting until its too late, consider removing any loose twigs, leaves, or limbs which may be laying atop the outer surface of your home.
Gutter Cleaning
In a similar fashion, gutter cleaning can be a critical step in helping to protect your property. Not only can debris pile up on the roof surface itself, but often smaller twigs and leaves especially, end up cluttering the gutter system. If this happens, clean-up can not only be extremely time-consuming but may also prove costly. Any stoppage of the water flow along the gutter system can either cause damage to the structure itself or potentially the foundation of a home. As water either pile up and overflows, cascading down to the ground in one area, or is restricted moving away from the property then the likelihood of property damage increases significantly. Regular gutter cleanings, but especially those prior to the winter months, can serve as an important component in the routine roof protection process.
Tree Trimming
Taking action to trim back any overhanging trees or ones which may cause an issue can also be beneficial. Often, preventative measures are extremely more effective and this is one situation that leans itself toward such a solution. Forget about waiting until your roof is piled high with debris and take action to keep the surface free and clear of any excess tree limbs, leaves, or twigs with a little preventative maintenance.
Flashing
Flashing serves a critical role in the protection of a property from all of Mother Natures elements. These pieces often protect some type of necessary or required breach in the roof structure – be it an exhaust fan, chimney, or under certain shingles depending on the pitch and style of your roofline. By understanding where flashing is installed and the importance of its purpose, these areas deserve extra attention. In the event any irregularities are identified, then steps should immediately be taken to remedy the situation for the best protection possible. As the calendar turns into the winter months, this can be one of the most important times to check for any needed repairs before its too late.
Inspection
Depending on the history of your roof, conducting a roof inspection may also be warranted. As professional annual inspections are common practice, choosing to have one conducted just prior to the winter season can be extremely beneficial. Not only will homeowners be able to address any issues, but taking steps to keep your property protected prior to the first inclement weather can also be helpful. Doing so allows individuals to correct any problem areas but also highlights one of the best practices for maintaining roof integrity now and in the years to come.
Attic Check
Being prepared for the changing seasons doesn’t just end at the outer roof layer. For a full report, inspection should enter into the premises to highlight any deficiencies. These are often the result of quality inspections but homeowners can trace their homes interior prior to relying on an expert opinion. While a trained eye may be able to highlight any minor issues, often the untrained eye can spot any serious issues which need immediate attention. If nothing is highlighted, then the likelihood of any significant breach is determined to be less.
Repair
Whether highlighted as a result of the inspection, personal overview or otherwise, completing any repair should be conducted prior to winters arrival. Doing so can be beneficial to homeowners for a variety of different reasons. From being able to complete repairs in a timely manner to help protect the home and its inhabitants, repairs are essential to the sustainability of all roof structures.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any and all roofing needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing roof installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or new construction project, if needed, as well as any inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your roof or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above-mentioned projects!