Things You Should Know About Your Home's Roof

When was the last time you thought about your roof? For the most part, we, as homeowners, take our roofs for granted. The roof is one of the most important structural components of your home. Yet, it's often one of the most neglected. If it's not leaking or showing major signs of failure, we don't think about it at all. In this article, we will share with you some of the things you might not know about the roof over your head.

Life Without A Roof

What would your life be like without a roof?  Consider the fact that even in third-world countries having a roof is essential in most cases. Your roof protects your home from the elements - sun, wind, rain, snow, and hail. It protects you and your belongings.  Without a roof, your living conditions would be significantly different.

Roofing Longevity

Did you know that a properly installed and maintained roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years? Where will you be in 50 years? 

Roofing Materials

There are different types of roofing materials available - asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile roofing, etc. - and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It's important to choose a roofing material that is appropriate for your climate and that will complement the overall style of your home. Clay tiles may be better suited to homes in warmer climates, whereas asphalt shingles are better in our area.

Roofing Maintenance

The very first question we asked in this article was when was the last time you thought about your roof.  It's an important question because if you are not thinking about the roof, you are probably not maintaining the roof. Regular roof maintenance is crucial to prolonging the life of your roof and preventing expensive repairs.

Be sure to have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year.  If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, you may need to have your roof inspected more frequently.

Common Roofing Problems

The most common roofing problem is leaks, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as missing or damaged shingles, flashing that's come loose, or clogged gutters.  Leaks can lead to serious water damage if they're not repaired promptly, so it's important to address them as soon as you notice them.

Another common but less talked about roofing issue is ice dams, which form when heat escapes from your home and melts the snow on your roof.  As the water runs down your roof, it refreezes at the edges, forming a dam that prevents melting water from draining properly. Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and should be removed as soon as possible.

Metal Roofs

If you have a metal roof, be sure to check for rust regularly and have any damaged areas repaired promptly.

Tile Roofs

If you have a tile roof, be sure to inspect the tiles for cracks or missing pieces and have them repaired or replaced as necessary.

Your Gutters' Role In Roof Health

Most people don't associate their gutters with their roofs, but if you ignore your gutters, it could have real consequences for your roof. It's important to clean your gutters regularly to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging them and causing water to back up onto your roof.

Wind Damage

If you live in an area with high winds, be sure to inspect your roof regularly for loose tiles or shingles. High winds can also cause tree limbs to fall on your roof, so it's important to have any damaged areas repaired promptly.

If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, you may want to consider having a hurricane strap or other type of reinforcement installed on your roof.

When it comes time to replace your roof, be sure to hire a reputable and experienced roofing contractor. Doing your research and hiring a qualified roofing contractor will help ensure that your roof is installed properly and that you get the most out of your investment.

If you have a question about your roof, would like to schedule an inspection, or need your roof replaced, give Quality Remodeling a call today at (443) 690-3493