Every year so many homeowners replace their roof, either because there was a premature roof failure or the last storm damaged it. That’s why Austin roofing experts recommend doing an in-depth check on a roof, at least twice a year.
A preventive maintenance program is simply a checklist of scheduled roof inspection and subsequent corrective action. The purpose is to keep costly roof repairs at bay and maximizing the life expectancy of your roofing system.
“Regular roof maintenance can extend the life of your roof by up to 50%, preventing costly repairs and preserving the value of your home.”
What a Preventive Roofing Program Entails
You want to provide maximum protection to your
home and roof while minimizing overall costs.
The essential functions of preventive roofing
maintenance are:
Regular Visual Inspection: To help determine the current condition of the roof membrane and flashings.
Defect Assessment: Immediate repairs made to defects observed
before moisture enters the roofing system or building interior.
Non-Destructive Moisture Detection: To determine if moisture has infiltrated into
the roofing system.
By hiring a professional roofer, you benefit from independent inspections from authorized roofers who use authentic materials and guaranteed standards, hereby increasing your roofs longevity.
Austin Roofing Maintenance Checklist 101
Without overlooking any aspect that might require immediate attention, your roof inspection checklist helps you identify and prevent any long-term damage. Here is the list of steps that should be performed periodically (every six months – 2 years) to help protect your roofing system.
Scrutinize the Interior of Your Building
Before checking your actual roof, start by
checking the interior signs of water damage problems, such as:
- broken pipes
- drips
- plumbing leaks
- mold formation
- water stains
- and paint peels
Be vigilant during your inspection phase so
that the problem detection happens at an initial phase. For areas with heavy
rainfall, do check for structural tensions like bulging patches on your
interior walls, rot, rust and open cracks in beams, and trusses.
Inspect the Surface of Your Roof
Inspect the roof closely to check for damage or weathering. A pool of standing water in a low spot is one of the first signs of damage to look for on a flat roof.
Monitor closely for holes, fungus, algae, tears, water stains, abrasions, and scratches in the roofing membrane. When checking a gravel-top roof, check for bare spots and uneven gravel layers.
Similarly, check for corrosion or rusty panels
in case of metal roofs.
Check for Roof Cleanliness
It’s imperative to keep your Austin roofing free of overhanging branches, fallen leaves, accumulated dirt, and excessive rain. As they have a direct impact on the membranes of your roof, leading to premature rotting or decay.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are one of the most accessible spots for water to seep under the formation of the roof, creating water stains all the way into your home. Clogged water, moss, mold, and watermarks are all telltale signs of clogged gutters.
Conduct Immediate Inspections After Severe Weather
There is no denying that a power-packed storm can be your roof’s worst enemy.
Always inspect the roof for damage after severe weather such as hailstorms, heavy rains, high winds, etc.
We recommended using the services of licensed roofing contractors in Austin – as they are someone who will make the roof repair and replacement process a straightforward and comfortable process for you.
A proper inspection helps you repair any damage and control your long-term costs. Trained maintenance contractors are equipped to start the procedure by visually evaluating your shingles. Additionally, without physically stepping on a steep or damaged roof, they will use binoculars and a ladder to scan the roofing area.
They will help you identify missing, curled, and flapping shingles, while also repairing broken shingles to ensure the roof assembly is not damaged.
Check for Flashings
Flashings are generally used to install skylights on rooftops. So, if they are not working correctly to prevent water from leaking through the exposed area, then roofing contractors in Austin can pay particular attention to this area.
Keep Masonry & Metal in Mint Condition
In masonry and metalwork, check your chimneys for roof cracks or missing mortar. Keep a lookout for corrosion, rust, cracking, erosion, or structural damage of any size in your brick and stone fixtures. That’s because loose metal or other components on a roof are a common point of water entry.
Maintain Rooftop Equipment
Examine your rooftop equipment for any problems that may allow water infiltration, including:
- air conditions, vents, and ductwork
- skylights
- satellite dishes and antennas
- solar panels
In addition, check your roof after any service calls to make sure the roof hasn’t been accidentally damaged.
Everyday roofing is exposed to weather and
time-bound hazards contributing to its damage and deterioration. If left
unattended, ignoring roofing issues can turn into expensive disasters in the
future.
Bluebonnet Custom Roofing Provides Quality Care
for Your Roof
Keep the guesswork out of your inspection and maintenance schedule. Get regular check-ups done by our trained roofing professionals.
Every one of our customers receives personalized attention to guide them on the needs of their roof and give them the necessary knowledge to make the best decisions. Reach us 512-580-9063 for an estimate today!
Austin Roofing Maintenance 101 | Bluebonnet Custom Roofing – Austin, TX