Far too many homeowners think about roof maintenance after something has gone wrong. In truth, preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do for your roof.

You tune up your car, AC, and your own health… why not your roof?

The spring season is the perfect time to check in on your roof and mitigate any damage that has occurred during the cold, harsh winter months – especially here in Buffalo. Furthermore, a tuneup now can help you prepare for April and May showers, followed by warm summer weather.

Not convinced a roof tune-up is a necessary spring task? Here are four crucial reasons to conduct maintenance on your roof after every winter season ends.

1. Check Your Chimney After Winter Use

Although chimney use has declined in the last few decades, many people with older homes and commercial buildings still use them in the winter. When temperatures plummet below freezing in New York – as they often do – there’s nothing like starting a cozy blaze in the fireplace.

If you’ve used your fireplace over the winter, it’s smart to have a roof professional assess your chimney in the spring. This gives them the chance to check the chimney for:

  • Cracks
  • Missing mortar
  • Structural damage
  • Sloping or leaning

All of these problems are difficult to assess from the ground, which is why hiring a professional roof inspector is the best way to go. Most roof companies will be able to handle mortar or structural issues, and if they can’t, they’ll recommend you to another team that can.

Chimney inspections aren’t just important for cosmetic purposes. It’s estimated that more than 20,000 residential fires are caused by chimney problems every year. By scheduling a regular roof tune-up, especially after the fireplace is used in the winter, you can keep a wary eye out for problems like creosote buildup or cracks in the chimney.

2. Seal Your Plumbing Vent Pipes and Flashing

The next benefit of a spring roof tune-up: you’ll spot leaks or rotted areas before the problems escalate. Damaged roof flashing can lead to pricey, expensive repairs later on down the road. This is especially true in places like Buffalo that experience heavy snow, ice, and winter weather conditions.

Although flashing material is typically tough (often made of steel or aluminum), it can still warp, crack, and loosen. This is especially common during times of heavy snow or rain, as well as when temperatures plummet in the winter.

A professional roof maintenance team will assess your roof for broken or loose flashing, which should seal gaps and prevent water from seeping under your roof’s shingles. This is especially crucial in the springtime – New York experiences its heaviest rainy season from April to June, with peaks in May.

Don’t wait until you notice that water is causing rot or decay on your roof (or even seeping into your attic). Scheduling a roof tune-up in early spring is the best way to ensure your vent pipes are properly sealed.

3. Replace Torn, Faded, or Otherwise Damaged Shingles

When water freezes on your roof during the winter, it expands and can damage your shingles. This leads to more cracks in the roof, as well as eyesores for your neighbors.

After the worst of the winter weather is over, take a look at your roof to identify any shingles that have been torn or cracked. Those with the heaviest damage may need to be replaced. However, if the cracks or tears are minor, you may be able to fix the shingles instead of buying new ones.

Talk to a professional roof contractor to understand which singles need to be replaced and which can be repaired. The quicker you are to address shingle damage, the more likely it is that the contractor can fix the problem rather than charge you for an entirely new shingle.

4. Keep Future Repair Costs Down

Ultimately, a roof tune-up’s main prerogative is to keep expensive replacement costs at bay. If you’re consistently repairing and caring for your current roof, you can extend its life by several years – which saves you thousands of dollars.

For instance, leaving shingles unrepaired for years at a time can result in hefty repair expenses later on. Eventually, you may wind up facing an entire roof replacement, which can cost between $15,000 and $30,000.

On the flip side of the coin, minor roof repairs during a tune-up can cost between $250 and $1,000, depending on the circumstances. By investing a little in your roof now, you can put off the need to shell out thousands for new materials.

Schedule Your Buffalo Roof Tune-Up Today

If you want to minimize your future roof repair bills, spring is the time to schedule a quick tune-up from a trusted contractor. Our full-service roofing company specializes in preventative maintenance, repairs, and replacements throughout the Buffalo area.

At William C. Rott & Son, we’ll help you:

  • Repair damage from snow and ice
  • Check for hidden leaks
  • Seal all plumbing vent pipes
  • Assess your chimney and siding

Our team’s general roof examination will allow you to identify problems before they become overly expensive to repair. We’ll even provide a full roof report with photos so that you understand exactly where you stand and when you may need a roof replacement in the future.

Trust us: we never recommend replacements when repairs will suffice. We want to help you make the smartest decisions for your roof, based on its specific needs and on your budget. With over a century of experience, we know exactly what to recommend.

Contact Us

To learn more about our roof tune-up services or to ask questions about spring maintenance, call 716-694-8220. You can also send us a message online. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re happy to help.