The roof protects all of the occupants and contents inside a home. When the roof becomes damaged, the cost of repairs can quickly become high. This is because it will likely not only be the roof that needs to be repaired or replaced, but other elements inside the home as well. Moisture is a huge concern. Keeping water from entering the home is one of the main purposes of roof maintenance.
Homeowner Roof Maintenance
There are many maintenance tasks that may be completed by the homeowner. One of these would be to keep the gutters clear of debris. Debris can allow water to gather and make its way under the roofing shingles. This can cause damage to all types of roofs. Consider also staying off the roof as much as possible Body weight can cause damage. Weather is also a major factor in damage, though there is nothing you can do about the weather aside from cutting limbs back so that they do not hit the roof should they fall during a storm.
A leaking roof can quickly cause damage to ceilings, interior and exterior walls, and furniture. There are many different types of materials that are used by roofers today to create a waterproof barrier between the roof and the interior of the home. These materials are not only used in new roof applications, but for repairs as well.
Different Types of Roofs
There are two types, flat and pitched. Home most commonly have pitched roofs, which businesses and apartments typically have flat roofs. Some roofers are qualified to work on either type, while others will specialize in working on one or the other. Flat roofs require several layers of different materials to make them effective. Insulation, molten bitumen, and layers of felt are all used. Waterproof compounds may be used at the top of the layers to decrease the chances of water penetrating the structure.
The majority of residential roofs are created through the use of shingles. Felt is applied to the roof first, and then shingles are layered on. Each row will overlap to create a tight barrier. Both shingles and felt are cut to fit tightly around vents and chimneys. Though most nail heads are covered, any that are left exposed are covered to prevent any water from leaking in. Tile and metal roofs are installed using a similar process. Waterproofing compounds may also be added to pitched roofs.
Repair or Replacement?
Roofs are built to last quite a while, which means that repair may be a viable option if the roof has not exceeded its normal lifespan of 15-20 years. Having a reputable roofer come to your home and examine the roof is the best way to know what your options are. Minor problems, such as a leak around a skylight, will not require a total roof replacement. The cost of a new roof can be substantial. By ensuring that roof maintenance is completed routinely, the roof should last at least fifteen years, and possibly much longer.
