Waiting until there is a leak in the home to check your roof is a common mistake. Why look for problems? Avoiding roof maintenance can cost you more in the end.
Roof maintenance is recommended every spring and fall, and after major storms that may damage the roof. You may need to hire a roof inspection service to prevent personal injury, depending on your roof type and access.
Roof Styles
You might expect that different styles and materials will be popular in various areas due to architectural tastes and weather patterns. The most popular styles include:
1. Gable Roofs
The triangular gable roofs are easy to construct, they shed snow and water, and provide extra space in the attic or vaulted ceilings. They are less common, however, in areas prone to hurricanes or with high winds. This is because they are not as wind resistant as other roof shapes.
2. Hip Roofs
Hip roofs are sloped on all four sides and then meet at the top to form a ridge. The added strength is great for high winds and the snow can easily slide off. These roofs have extra seams, which can lead to more water leaks.
3. Mansard Roofs
The mansard roof has four sides, with double slopes on each side. These slopes meet and form a low-pitched roof. This roof style has the advantage that it can be used to create additional living space on upper levels or in future additions. The low-pitched section is not suitable for areas that receive a lot of snow.
4. Roofs for Barns or Gambrels
The barn roof or gambrel is similar to the mansard but only has two sides. They are often found on farmhouses, barns, and houses in the Georgian and Dutch Colonial styles. This roof shape allows for more space inside, but it is not ideal for areas that experience high winds or heavy winter snow.
5. Flat Roofs
People are adding solar panels, roof decks, green roofs, or gardens to flat roofs. They can also be seen in many commercial buildings. Flat roofs tend to leak more and are less common in areas that receive a lot of rain or snow.
Roof Materials
Roof materials are different in each region.
1. Northeast
Asphalt shingles are very common in the Northeast. They are light, flexible, and resilient. They can also insulate and support your home well.
2. Southeast and Northwest
Metal roofs are ideal for rainy climates, as they don’t get affected by the moisture and humidity which can lead to mold. Metal roofs can also shield your home from a tropical storm, hurricane or other severe weather.
Roofs made of slate tiles are very durable and can withstand heavy snowfall.
3. Great Plains
Wood shingles are a great way to insulate your attic while still allowing air to circulate. Natural products, provide a rustic appearance that compliments bungalows, Craftsmen, Tudor, and Cape Cod-style homes.
Clay tiles are durable and energy efficient. These tiles are also good for air circulation and provide natural insulation. These tiles are suitable for Spanish, Mission, and Mediterranean-style buildings and can resist harsh sunlight and heavy rain.
Maintenance of Your Roof
All homeowners should regularly blow, sweep or wash off debris from their roofs. The accumulation of leaves, sticks, and trash on your roof may cause various problems. It can cause algae to grow on your roof, damaged shingles, or clog gutters. Trim tree branches from your roof in order to reduce the risk of branches damaging your roof during a storm or animals entering your home.
Watch out for too many snow accumulations on your roof if you live in a snowy area. Buy a roof scraper and remove some snow from your roof to avoid a collapse.
Some roof types require specific tasks:
Metal Roof
Use a wire bristle brush to remove rust. Prime and paint any rusted areas. It is important to keep your gutters clear, especially if you have a metal roof. The roof needs to be allowed to dry out after rain or snow.
Asphalt Roof
Repair or replace damaged or loose shingles as soon as possible. Check to make sure that tree branches don’t scrape the roof. This could lead to additional wear on asphalt shingles. If you notice any shingles curling or buckling it could be time to replace them.
Slate Roof Tile
Each spring, schedule an inspection to check for any broken or slipping tiles.
Wood Roof
Use a garden shed to remove debris and look for mildew, moss, and mold. Scrape away any mold you may find. Clean with a mixture of one-quart bleach, one-ounce detergent, and three quarts of warm water.
Clay Tile Roof
It is important to inspect your clay tiles annually for any cracks or breaks. Instead of walking on top, use binoculars to inspect the roof and a ladder. It could be dangerous to walk on the roof and lead to more cracks. To avoid damaging the tiles, use a powerwasher with warm water mixed with mild dish soap.
If you feel uncomfortable with any of these, contact a roofer to assist.
Checking for damage and making repairs
You should also check the following:
Check the flashing that is used to seal your chimney with the roof. Check the mortar or caulk used to seal joints on your roof for any cracks or degradation that may allow water to enter your home, or cause moss and algae to grow. Remove debris and clean up the area if you see signs of deterioration.
When inspecting your roof, look for moss and algae. Install zinc or lead control strip if you find any. You can buy or make your own strips and place them between the shingles. This will prevent moss from growing.
Check your ceilings and attic for any dark spots, mold, or moisture. Next, try to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. You can check your attic for any light coming through the roof. It is much cheaper to have a professional roofing contractor in Fort Worth TX inspect your roof and make repairs than wait until the leak becomes worse.
Insurance
Roof issues account for 39 percent of homeowner insurance claims, according to the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association. Check your homeowner’s policy every year to ensure that your coverage is current and that serious roof damage will be covered.
Roof replacements due to normal wear and tear or age are not covered. If you suffer interior damage due to your old roof, like water damage caused by a leaky roofing system, you may still be covered for the cost of repairs, even if your roof needs replacing.
With regular maintenance and roof inspections, you can be sure that the roof will provide protection for your family and home throughout its expected lifetime and beyond. The more you understand about your roof, and how to maintain it, the better it will protect you.
Call Restoration Roofing TX now if you need the help of an expert roofing contractor.
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Restoration Roofing TX
Keller, TX 76248
817-717-6220
https://restorationroofingtx.com/%20
info@restorationroofingtx.com
Fort Worth, TX
682-255-1550
Serving: Fort Worth, Keller Texas, Arlington Texas, Denton County, Tarrant County
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