Roof Maintenance and Repair

An overlooked, unappreciated but absolutely vital part of your home is the roof. Your roof protects you from snow, rain, sun and much more. When not properly cared for, the cost of repair can be literally sky high. Learn more about roof maintenance and repair in this video by Home Advisor:

It’s important to know your roof’s history. Keep all inspection records, repair receipts and info and photos detailing construction modifications or changes to the roof’s surface. Hang on to the contact information for any service companies you’ve used.

Frequent inspections can catch small problems before they become big ones and save you money in the long run. Perform regular inspections in late fall and early spring as well as any time you experience a severe storm.

Be aware of warning signs that your roof has become compromised. These include dark dirty-looking areas, cracked, missing or curled shingles, stains on the inside ceilings and blistering or peeling of outside paint. Watch for leaks in your attic after a storm. All of these signs mean it’s time to call a roofing professional right away.

Know your roof’s warranty. Most generally last 10 to 50 years but are often not transferable to a second owner. If the roof was installed while you owned the house and you found damage, there’s a good chance that the warranty still applies. Common damage such as from hail may be covered by insurance, so be sure to contact your insurance company before tackling any repairs.