Did you know roof maintenance is the best way to prevent leaks and costly repairs?
Roof leaks are a unique challenge for most homeowners. Not only are they hard to find, but they also don’t make themselves known until water has already been dripping into the attic long enough to reach ceiling drywall. Because water can travel up to six feet from the source of the roof leak, it often means expensive repairs.
We often get asked if there is anything that can be done to prevent how to spot roof leaks from happening. The answer is YES!
The key to preventing roof leaks is scheduling regular roof maintenance checks. Not only will these roof inspections catch small problems (like roof leaks) they will extend the life of your roof. That means more bang for your buck!
What Is Roof Maintenance?
Roofs are made to last a long time… but definitely not forever! Just like your car, there are parts that are designed to wear out and therefore need to be replaced. Roof maintenance checks are similar to car tune-ups. Here’s a quick overview of what’s included:
- Shingle checks for any missing or defective areas.
- Flashing check. This is the soft metal that surrounds chimneys and pipes on your roof. This is the most common area for a roof leak to happen.
- Gutter check.
- Siding check.
- Attic and ventilation check.
The biggest benefit of roof maintenance is that small problems are found early… before they turn into full-blown roof leaks. The most common problems that lead to roof leaks are worn-out gaskets/seals around pipes and flashing. Fixing these problems is easy and can be done for less than $100. The problem is this damage is almost impossible to spot from the ground level of a home. Without regular roof inspections, these problems can easily turn into full-blown roof leaks, costing $500 or more.
Another added benefit of roof maintenance is keeping tabs on how much life is left on your roof. Most roofs last 10-15 years on average here in Oklahoma City due to the number of severe storms we see each year. Routine inspections and maintenance can help you plan for future roof replacement costs and avoid surprises.
How Often Should Roof Maintenance Be Performed?
Roof maintenance should be performed by a trained expert at least once a year. It’s also important to request a free storm damage inspection after any large hail storm. The best thing an OKC homeowner can do is find a reputable, local contractor and have this be part of seasonal home maintenance tasks.
What Does Roof Maintenance Cost?
While roof inspections are free, any repairs needed would be something you pay out of pocket for. The good news is that repairs are often small and less than $100. The most common cause for a roof repair is worn-out flashing or pipe vents. It’s not uncommon to see the metal rust, crack, or for the seal to wear out. Over time, this damage can allow water to enter your roof system, so it’s important to get routine inspections to fix problems quickly. Other roof repairs would include replacing missing shingles or areas damaged by trees/critters.
Need Help With Your Roof?
If you haven’t had roof maintenance done in a while or suspect you have a roof problem, our team of expert roofing contractors is here to help! The best part is all roof inspections are free and come with a fully documented report on the condition of your roof. Ready to get started? Give us a call at 405-895-9972 or use schedule a roof inspection online now!
