Most homeowners have heard that a roof should only need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years. However, the roof is often one of the most neglected areas of the home. After all, out of sight, out of mind! But another main reason why people tend to forget or put off roof repairs and maintenance is due to the perceived high cost.
If you don’t take good care of your roof, chances are that you will need to get very extensive (and expensive) repairs eventually. Neglected roofs can develop extreme water damage, electrical wiring issues, or even shrinkage and sagging. These costs thousands of dollars to fix – and you may not even be able to stay in your home while this work is being done!
Pretending that roofing issues don’t exist because you don’t want to pay for repairs simply isn’t an option. Roofing services in Buffalo are specifically important to keep up with, since we experience lots of inclement weather that can damage shingles.
A full roof replacement can be very expensive, and it also means that there will be several days of work. Keeping up with roof repairs and routine maintenance can help you avoid an expensive replacement.
Here’s how to make regular roof maintenance an affordable option.
1. Schedule a Roof Tune-Up Every Year
To stay healthy, we’re supposed to visit our doctors yearly for an annual physical. Most car mechanics recommend that you take your vehicle in for a yearly tune-up to keep it running in tip-top shape. The same goes for the roof of your house.
The great news is that the roofing company will first send out a consultant before the tune-up is scheduled. If they can see signs of major needed repairs, you won’t get charged and will be offered a free consultation on the next best steps!
During a roof tune-up, an inspector will come to check out every square inch of your roof to create a roof report. They will note any signs of damage or wear that need to be addressed and take pictures to show you exactly where work needs to be done.
They will also check out vent pipes, chimneys, and flashing to make sure everything is sealed off correctly. They will also patch up little things like missing shingles or broken seals to protect them from bigger problems.
2. Make Sure You Clean Your Roof
Did you know that your roof can get moldy? That’s right – as dirt, leaves, and debris build up on your roof, they hold in moisture from the rain and humidity in the air. This promotes microbial and bacterial growth which can cause mold and mildew to form. This will break down your shingles and roofing materials faster, meaning that you’ll need extensive repairs.
The best solution here is to schedule regular roof cleaning services to safely remove all of that dirty build-up. During a roof cleaning, technicians use a special cleaning solution that kills bacteria and mold on contact. They safely wash away all of the dirt that has accumulated on the shingles, leaving you with a cleaner, newer-looking roof!
There are lots of added benefits to getting professional roof cleanings done. First, it can extend the life of your roof significantly, especially for areas with high humidity and lots of rain. Considering that Buffalo has fairly high precipitation levels throughout the year, roof cleaning can lower the risk of algae and mold growth.
A cleaner roof also looks a lot better and newer. This can even help to increase your home’s value if you’re in the market to sell!
3. Take Care of Your Gutters, Too
Gutters are designed to move water away from your foundation – and they shouldn’t impact the roof. However, if they get clogged up with leaves, sticks, and other debris, it can cause runoff issues. During the winter, clogged gutters can create ice dams – which can do major damage to your roof.
An ice dam forms when the water from melting snow can’t drain off the roof due to clogged gutters. If it refreezes, it can loosen shingles or even tear off the gutters themselves. This is why regular gutter cleanings are so important, especially before the winter season.
You should also make sure that your gutters are securely held in place. Loose gutters can start to pull away from the roof and siding, which could damage your home. If you get a lot of leaves or debris on your roof, you should also consider installing gutter covers.
4. Hire a Roofer with Financing Options
Sometimes, roof replacements are simply inevitable. To make these extensive repairs more affordable, it is highly recommended that you work with a roofing service in Buffalo that offers payment financing options.
We know that many homeowners in Buffalo can’t afford to pay large roof replacement bills at all once. That’s why Wm. C. Rott & Sons offers 0% financing for customers to qualify, so you can pay off your total in interest-free installments for 12 months.
We also provide a 20-year transferable workmanship warranty with all of our roof repairs and replacements. The materials we use also come with their own manufacturer’s warranty. This means that any issues with your roof will be covered, so you don’t need to shell out more money for repairs!
In Need of Roofing Maintenance?
Putting a little bit of effort into caring for your home’s roof can save you lots of money down the road. By scheduling regular inspections, tune-ups, and cleanings, you can extend the life of your roof significantly and catch small repairs before they turn into massive projects.
If you’re looking for a great roofer in Buffalo, reach out to us at Wm. C. Rott & Son. We provide all types of roofing maintenance, repair, and full replacement services at a fair price. Send us a message online today to learn more!
