We don’t often think about the state of our home’s roof until we run into issues like leaks or missing shingles. Roofs go through a lot of wear and tear – especially in Buffalo. The inclement weather, heavy snowfall, extreme temperature changes, and hours of direct sunlight can really take a toll, causing your roof to wear down faster than you’d like. The harsh elements of the western side of the state make roofing in Buffalo a top priority.

When snow and ice accumulate on the roof, it causes added pressure to the support beams and shingles. Freezing temperatures can cause ice dams to form between the shingles, which can loosen them. Hot temperatures and strong UV rays can also dry up the asphalt surface layer, which is designed to waterproof the shingles.

If these issues are not taken care of, it can lead to issues like leaks and missing shingles. This can also let moisture seep into the home, causing mold and mildew to grow. Homes with bad roofs also require more energy for heating and cooling, as the air seeps through. A poorly maintained roof can increase energy bills by over 10%.

Generally, a brand new roof should last for 20 to 30 years, depending on the shingle material. While uncontrollable factors like rain, snow, and ice can damage your roof, there are preventative measures that homeowners can take.  

Here are some tips to help keep your home’s roofing in Buffalo in tip-top shape for years to come.

1. Schedule a Roof Tune-up

The first step to caring for your roof is to have it checked by a professional to diagnose any current problems. Although your roof might look like it’s in good shape from a distance, there could be hidden issues that only a roofing expert will notice. 

Your best bet is to schedule a roof tune-up to see what kind of shape your roof is in currently. A technician will inspect every square inch of your roof to see if there are any concerns. They will even replace a few shingles if necessary.

The next step is to seal up all of the areas where moisture can seep into your home. This includes vent pipes, chimneys, and flashing (steel pieces surrounding roof features). This also helps to keep the warmed or cooled air in your home, which can reduce your energy costs. 

The siding of the home can also be examined to see if any work needs to be done. Inspectors will take before and after pictures to show you exactly what repairs were done and if any more work is needed. 

Wm. C. Rott & Son is one of the only roofers in Buffalo, NY to offer this type of service. We want to help homeowners in the area take great care of their roofs to avoid expensive replacements and repairs. 

But we are always honest with our clients – so, if your roofing is badly damaged we won’t charge you for the tune-up. We will even provide free consulting services on the next steps to repair those problems. 

2. Clean off Snow and Ice Carefully

As you know, Buffalo is one of the snowiest cities in the country. The area gets about 85 inches of snow every year. Packed snow can be quite heavy and even cause your roof to collapse if it has structural damage. It is highly recommended that you remove the snow from your roof once a storm is over.

Now, the way that you remove both snow and ice can cause roof damage, too. Metal shovels or even hard brushes can work shingles loose or scrape off the protective asphalt layer. Instead, only use soft roof brushes to gently brush off large piles of snow. You should also be careful about knocking down icicles and ice blocks, as they can pull off roof gutters and shingles, too. 

One solution here is to hire professionals to remove the snow. This is helpful if you have a large roof or high peaks. Another option to consider is installing heating cables. These will prevent ice from forming and slowly melts piles of snow to prevent build-up.

3. Have Your Roof Cleaned Regularly

Dirty roofs are not just unsightly – they can wear down faster, too. Built-up dirt, algae, and other debris can ruin your roofing. Piles of dead leaves and dirt can trap in moisture, leading to mold and bacterial growth. In some cases, bacteria will eat directly through the shingles. Plus, dirty roofs are quite unsightly and can ruin your home’s curb appeal. 

One of the easiest ways to care for your home’s roof is to keep it clean. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional service to do this rather than doing it yourself. Typical garden hoses are not powerful enough to remove all of the buildup, while high-pressure washers can damage your roof if not used properly. So, make sure that only certified roof cleaners tackle the project.


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During a roof cleaning, technicians will carefully wash away buildup from your roof using water pressure mixed with cleaning solutions. This removes stains and dirt while protecting your roofing from algae and mold growth. This will also help to clean out your gutters and siding as the water drains off. 

4. Invest in Quality Repairs and Replacements

Don’t settle for quick fixes when it comes to your roof. Although putting in a few more singles here and there may be one way to patch up a hole, it won’t help you in the long run. Smaller issues like these can be a sign of underlying problems, like poor installation or bad roofing structure. 

Instead, you should always turn to roofing experts who will use top-quality materials the first time. Finding reliable roofing services in Buffalo, NY isn’t easy, as there are lots of companies offering repair and replacement services. But one way to root out unreliable contractors is to inquire about their warranty coverage.
If you have any issues with the repairs or services done to your roof, you need the assurance that it can be replaced or refunded. This is why Wm. C. Rott & Sons offers a unique warranty covering both the roofing materials used as well as our workmanship. So, if anything goes wrong and you aren’t satisfied, you will be covered and we will make it right.

Wrapping Up

Your roof is a critical part of your home that needs to be cared for and maintained properly. With routine maintenance, cleanings, and tune-ups, you can ensure that your roof will last you for years to come.

If you need a roof cleaning, repair, or replacement, be sure to check out Wm. C. Rott & Sons. We have replaced and repaired roofing in Buffalo, NY for the past 100 years – so you can consider us the experts in roof care. 
Contact us today to receive a quote and schedule your next roofing or home service!