Avoid Costly Roof Repairs With Proactive Maintenance

For many homeowners, their single most valuable asset is their residence. The roof over that home is a first line of defense against the damage caused by moisture, UV light and falling debris.

A well-maintained roof will provide the peace-of-mind that homeowners want and deserve. Proactive roof maintenance minimizes the chance that a relatively minor roof failure will lead to expensive roof repairs.

Obvious vs. Subtle Damage

When a tree limb crashes through a roof, the need for a repair is self-evident, and there’s usually a quick call to the agent handling one’s homeowner’s policy. However, that sense of urgency is often lacking when wear-and-tear harms roof components over many years.

Because a residential roof tends to last so long, it is all too easy to grow complacent. In some cases, a gradual deterioration of roof components will go undetected until serious damage is done. Once water is working its way into the sub-roofing, repair costs quickly escalate. In other cases, a natural tendency to procrastinate is costly. Signs of a failing roof grow more evident, but the homeowner does not take action.

A Proactive Approach

Therefore, a proactive approach to roof maintenance is almost always the most intelligent strategy. Scheduled inspections and maintenance help you get the most out of your roof. BRAX Roofing can also help to ensure adherence to the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty, so you get the full benefit of any possible warranty claim.

Professional vs. DIY Inspections

Some homeowners take a proactive approach by examining their roofs by themselves from time-to-time. However, there are a number of disadvantages to this do-it-yourself approach:

Undetected problems – Early signs of a compromised roof are subtle and easy to miss. A trained eye is indispensable in identifying signs of deterioration.

Cursory inspections from afar – Many developing roof problems are not visible from a distance, so any attempt at a ground-level visual inspection is of limited benefit. Renting a cherry-picker is an option, although this is often a costly option, and one mistake may lead to a damaging collision between the machinery and the roof itself.

Climbing up on the roof – Sometimes it’s tempting for a homeowner to take a closer look by climbing up on the roof. However, this is often dangerous, especially on a highly pitched roof, or on one with irregular surfaces. It is also possible that an inexperienced person scaling a roof may damage shingles, flashing or other critical roof components.

What We Look For

Although the overall list of potential roof problems is lengthy, there are common themes in developing roof failures:

Water flow – Gutters, valleys and other areas must be kept free of debris. Standing water quickly increases the chances of a compromised roof. Moss may grow in consistently moist areas, and this will increase moisture retention, subjecting the underlying roof to possible premature deterioration.

Fasteners – Freeze-thaw and hot-cold cycles exert stress on the nails that hold asphalt shingles in place. Over time, nails may loosen or even lift up. This phenomenon, called “nail popping,” may allow water to work its way under the shingle. This may lead to rotting in the sub-roof, or it may cause leaks.

Problems with the shingles – Asphalt shingles that show signs of cupping, curling or fish-mouthing may impact the aesthetics of a home. While every curled shingle is not evidence of a pending roof problem, an expert eye can discern that difference between issues that are merely cosmetic and those that are more problematic.

Installation problems – It is important for roofing contractors to closely adhere to manufacturer instructions, and to comply with roofing industry standards vis-a-vis deck preparation, underlayment, flashing, ridge vents and nailing.

Learn more about how a proactive maintenance program can protect the investment in your roof and your home. Experience the prompt, friendly and professional service that is the hallmark of BRAX Roofing. Call or contact us today!

For many homeowners, their single most valuable asset is their residence. The roof over that home is a first line of defense against the damage caused by moisture, UV light and falling debris.

A well-maintained roof will provide the peace-of-mind that homeowners want and deserve. Proactive roof maintenance minimizes the chance that a relatively minor roof failure will lead to expensive roof repairs.

Obvious vs. Subtle Damage

When a tree limb crashes through a roof, the need for a repair is self-evident, and there’s usually a quick call to the agent handling one’s homeowner’s policy. However, that sense of urgency is often lacking when wear-and-tear harms roof components over many years.

Because a residential roof tends to last so long, it is all too easy to grow complacent. In some cases, a gradual deterioration of roof components will go undetected until serious damage is done. Once water is working its way into the sub-roofing, repair costs quickly escalate. In other cases, a natural tendency to procrastinate is costly. Signs of a failing roof grow more evident, but the homeowner does not take action.

A Proactive Approach

Therefore, a proactive approach to roof maintenance is almost always the most intelligent strategy. Scheduled inspections and maintenance help you get the most out of your roof. BRAX Roofing can also help to ensure adherence to the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty, so you get the full benefit of any possible warranty claim.

Professional vs. DIY Inspections

Some homeowners take a proactive approach by examining their roofs by themselves from time-to-time. However, there are a number of disadvantages to this do-it-yourself approach:

Undetected problems – Early signs of a compromised roof are subtle and easy to miss. A trained eye is indispensable in identifying signs of deterioration.

Cursory inspections from afar – Many developing roof problems are not visible from a distance, so any attempt at a ground-level visual inspection is of limited benefit. Renting a cherry-picker is an option, although this is often a costly option, and one mistake may lead to a damaging collision between the machinery and the roof itself.

Climbing up on the roof – Sometimes it’s tempting for a homeowner to take a closer look by climbing up on the roof. However, this is often dangerous, especially on a highly pitched roof, or on one with irregular surfaces. It is also possible that an inexperienced person scaling a roof may damage shingles, flashing or other critical roof components.

What We Look For

Although the overall list of potential roof problems is lengthy, there are common themes in developing roof failures:

Water flow – Gutters, valleys and other areas must be kept free of debris. Standing water quickly increases the chances of a compromised roof. Moss may grow in consistently moist areas, and this will increase moisture retention, subjecting the underlying roof to possible premature deterioration.

Fasteners – Freeze-thaw and hot-cold cycles exert stress on the nails that hold asphalt shingles in place. Over time, nails may loosen or even lift up. This phenomenon, called “nail popping,” may allow water to work its way under the shingle. This may lead to rotting in the sub-roof, or it may cause leaks.

Problems with the shingles – Asphalt shingles that show signs of cupping, curling or fish-mouthing may impact the aesthetics of a home. While every curled shingle is not evidence of a pending roof problem, an expert eye can discern that difference between issues that are merely cosmetic and those that are more problematic.

Installation problems – It is important for roofing contractors to closely adhere to manufacturer instructions, and to comply with roofing industry standards vis-a-vis deck preparation, underlayment, flashing, ridge vents and nailing.

Learn more about how a proactive maintenance program can protect the investment in your roof and your home. Experience the prompt, friendly and professional service that is the hallmark of BRAX Roofing. Call or contact us today!