Having regular maintenance done to your roof is the best way to protect your investment. Most roofs will last for around 15 years, depending on the weather and wear it has sustained. But, the longevity of a roof depends heavily on how often it receive maintenance.

Just the same with any appliances in your home, or even your car, it is important to have all components and materials checked on a regular basis to make sure nothing needs to be replaced or repaired.

It is always easier to repair a small problem than to replace an entire roof – not to mention cheaper.

Here are some areas of your roof that should be checked during regular maintenance:

• Your roof’s gutters are very important to the overall protection of your roof. They are meant to carry water away from your home. While water is essential to the proper function of our bodies, it can be detrimental to the structure of your home. If your gutters are blocked by leaves, debris, or sticks they could flood water into the crawlspace and walls of your home, which will lead to mold and pest infestations. Having your gutters inspected and cleaned at least twice per year is necessary to keeping your roof protected from damage.
• Skylights and chimneys. If you have skylights or a fireplace, your roof has sections cut out of it to make room for these additions. There is protocol in place to seal off these cutouts and make them water tight so that your fireplace can ventilate and your home can have additional light, but the materials that support this can get damaged and will need repair and replacement periodically. These areas should be given special attention during inspection.
• Walking around. During a roof inspection taking a walk on the roof is essential. There is really no way to see all of the areas that might need attention without walking the lines of your roof. Looking for shingles that are curling up or cracked materials are all part of a thorough roof inspection. A trained roofing expert will be able to safely walk your roof and check for any signs of damage or areas that need repair or replacement.

Take some time during these late summer months to take advantage of the mild weather and have your roof maintained. This is an effective and inexpensive way to protect your roof and your home from unnecessary – and expensive – damage once the fall weather begins.