Typical Myths About Roof Maintenance

Recent advances in roofing technology have led to roofs that are safer, more energy efficient, and even cheaper than older roofs. However, even the most cutting-edge roof is susceptible to problems. Regular maintenance remains a necessary part of keeping any roof from becoming a danger to you and your home.

Myth 1: Modern roofs do not require maintenance

It is true that advances in roof technology have led to increased efficiency and some roofs, such as metal ones, may not need much maintenance. But for the majority of homes out there, maintenance is still an essential part of getting the most life out of your roof. Roofs should be checked regularly in order to catch potential problems before they become serious. Any signs of wear will need to be addressed so that your roof remains strong enough to handle harsh weather.

Myth 2: My warranty will cover any roof issues

This too is not necessarily true. Depending on the type of warranty you have, you will be covered for the roof materials, the work done on it, or both. Most problems with roofs stem either from the way it was installed, (which could be covered by a workmanship warranty) severe weather events or from a failure to keep up with maintenance. Although manufacture warranties cover the cost of materials when they are found to be at fault, they do not include the cost of labor.

Myth 3: Maintenance is not required

Although many homeowners like to think that they can get away with ignoring specific maintenance issues, the truth is that problems should be dealt with as soon as they arise. Letting a problem go can ultimately lead to larger, more costly problems. By performing annual or semi-annual inspections, you can ensure that if moisture or pests are found, the damage they cause will be less extensive than if they were left unchecked. Lastly, most warranties require regular inspections and records of maintenance. Neglecting to do regular maintenance of your roof can cause you to lose coverage.

In addition to regular inspections, here are a few ways that you can keep your roof in top shape:

•    Keep gutters clean. This will prevent them from flooding and sending water under the shingles.
•    Make sure tree limbs are trimmed back. This should be done to reduce the risk of storm damage.
•    Sweep debris off the roof. Fallen sticks and tree limbs may rub against the granules of your shingles, causing them to come loose.