There are almost an infinite number of things that could go wrong with your roof. While most of those situations are extreme cases, roofing issues are more likely to intensify when homeowners do not know what to look for. As a homeowner, the best thing you can do is educate yourself on some of the most common problems. Starting here will help to avoid the worst headaches and the most costly damages.
Common Roof Problem #1: Not Having a Proper Maintenance Plan
When you purchase a car you are expected to have regular oil changes, tire rotations, and maintenance check ups in order to keep the vehicle running smoothly. Unlike your car, your roof basically sits out of sight and most likely out of mind until something goes wrong. Yet, similar to your car, your roof requires regular maintenance in order to prolong its life.
It’s always recommended to have a professional roofer take a look at your roof at least once a year, but in the mean time there are certain signs that you can be on the lookout for, especially after a storm. Ponding water, damaged shingles or tiles, peeling paint on soffit and roof overhangs, discoloration, sagging ceilings, and mold are all signs of damage that can be seen without necessarily having to get on your roof.
To prevent these damages, or to catch them before things become costly, it is best to put a regular maintenance plan into place. Regular gutter cleaning seems like the most tedious chore, but is highly necessary in order to allow your drainage system to act as a safeguard against excess moisture. Gulf Western Roofing also has a Roof Assurance Maintenance Program, which provides three levels of protection that can easily fit within your yearly budget. At the very least, you will receive bi-annual inspections of your roof, which can help bring any problem areas to your attention before they become a disaster. Click here for more information on our RAMP and the importance of roof maintenance.
Common Roof Problem #2: Weather Damage
Florida’s roofs have an especially hard climate to deal with. Our blazing sun, frequent tropical downpours, hurricane winds, extreme humidity, and even recurring hailstorms certainly can cause damages to your roof and leave you vulnerable to leaks and moisture over time.
If a tree falls on your roof during a storm, then you’ll obviously have some damages. But not all weather damage is that obvious. In fact, high winds alone can cause severe damages to your roof that will often require an emergency repair. Not to mention, Florida’s extreme sunlight exposes our roofs to UV radiation, which can degrade roofing materials over time and lead to more repairs and replacements.
Most storm damages can be prevented with proper inspections and preparations. The most important thing to do is assess damages by having your roof inspected right after a storm. Most home insurance policies may not cover you if too much time has elapsed but more importantly, finding and repairing the damages sooner rather than later will save you money and headaches in the long run. Just be sure to avoid fly-by-night roofers or storm chasers, as they are notorious for taking advantage of vulnerable homeowners. Click here for more information on storm chasers and how you can avoid them.
Common Roof Problem #3: Poor Roof Installation
Occasionally, a roof may leak, sag, or collapse due to a structural deficiency. For instance, a careless roofer or contractor may remove an important structural component designed to support the roof system. Unfortunately, there are a lot of contractors in the business that do not deserve the trust that you have in their “expertise.”
When taking on a roofing project, there are a few things you can do to avoid being stuck with a careless contractor. For starters, do some research; ask around, check out online reviews, and make sure that the contractor you are interested in is properly licensed and insured. Once you’ve selected, a few top choices, it is always a good idea to collect at least three bids. Remember to avoid choosing the lowest bid because you will quickly find out that you get what you pay for. Click here for more tips on choosing the right roofing contractor.
Simply knowing what to look for can go a long way in helping homeowners avoid roofing disasters. In 2017, make it your resolution to keep an eye on your roof and give it the proper care and maintenance that it deserves.
Should you notice anything questionable, you can trust that Gulf Western Roofing will always provide quality customer service with honesty and integrity. We are a locally owned and operated company, building our trusted reputation in the state of Florida for over 17 years. We’re in this for the life of your roof.
