Roof maintenance is an important aspect of home ownership because a well-maintained roof can help to protect your home from the elements and extend the life of your roof. Even so, many homeowners may not know how or when to perform roof maintenance. In this guide, we will teach you why you should have a roof maintenance plan, what should be on it, and how to get the ball rolling!
What is a Roof Maintenance Plan?
Roof maintenance plans are the plans you set for your home’s roof care. This can be a yearly program that you enroll in through your local roofing company called a Roof Maintenance Program, or it can be DIY checkups and fixes.
Roof Maintenance Programs are packages a roofing company sells to inspect and care for your roof. The services offered in these programs can vary greatly depending on the customer’s needs and the business’s offerings. To learn more about these programs and their benefits, keep reading!
DIY roof care can also be a great asset for your maintenance plan. It can consist of minor repairs, DIY inspections, and roof cleaning. Later in this article, we outline how to perform DIY roof care.
Why You Need A Roof Maintenance Plan
Roof maintenance plans ensure the longevity of your roof and protect it from damage. A robust maintenance plan will ensure you get upwards of 30 years out of a new roof, as well as prevent the need for premature replacement. Here are the most important benefits of roof maintenance:
- Many roofing companies offer deals to go with their maintenance plans.
- Prevent future damage, which could cost you a lot of money.
- Most roof warranties are only valid if you get yearly roof inspections and perform maintenance.
- Dramatically increases the lifespan of your roof.
- Can lower insurance premiums.
- Oftentimes, homeowners only notice damage to their roof when it’s too late to repair. Maintenance programs ensure that problems are caught early on and while they can still be mended.
- Protects from potential damage to the rest of your home from leaks. Catches leaks before they damage the inside of your home.
- Can increase energy efficiency
DIY Roof Maintenance
Frequently Inspect Your Roof
Another important aspect of roof maintenance is regular inspection. This should be done twice a year as well as before and after large storms. During an inspection, it is important to look for missing or damaged shingles, rust on the flashings, and for any leaks or termite damage in your attic. If any issues are discovered, they should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
Keep it Clean
One of the most important things that homeowners can do to maintain their roof is to keep it clean. This involves removing leaves, snow, ice, branches, and other debris that can accumulate on the roof, as well as cleaning out gutters and downspouts to ensure that water can flow freely and not cause damage to the roof. In addition, it may be necessary to pressure wash the roof periodically to remove dirt and other grime that can build up and cause damage.
Care For Your Gutters
Clogged, damaged, or ill-functioning gutters can cause massive leaks and damage to your roof. To prevent this, frequently clean out your gutters, inspect them for damage, and maybe even install gutter screens.
Tree Maintenance
Trim and care for the trees in your yard to prevent them from falling onto your roof. Just one fallen tree can cause immense damage to your home, and if you want a long-lasting roof, you should keep an eye on the trees in your yard. Trimming off any branches that hang over your roof, removing any dead trees, and keeping the rest of your trees healthy are the best ways to prevent tree damage.
Professional Roof Maintenance Programs
Professional roof maintenance is just as necessary as DIY maintenance. Oftentimes, your insurance or roof warranty may require professional roof inspections. Even if you only plan to do an annual inspection, it’s more than worth it to find a professional. Roof maintenance plans vary greatly depending on the package, but here are most of the services you can expect to see:
- Periodic professional inspections
- Discounted or free repairs on damage caught during an inspection
- Removal of debris
- Flashing care
- Resealing
- Tighten any roof accessories such as gutters or satellites
To purchase a program, find a reputable company in your area that has a roof maintenance program and give them a call for an estimate and description of their roof maintenance services. They will likely even help you decide what kind of package your roof needs.
The Best Roof Maintenance Plan
With any element of your home that is as expensive as a roof, proactivity is the name of the game. It’s best to catch issues very early on to prevent having to pay for a replacement or large repair. The best option for roof care is a combination of DIY checkups and maintenance, with a robust professional maintenance program to cover any serious problems or insurance/warranty requirements.