Being a first-time homeowner comes with a lot of excitement. It’s no small feat to finally have a home you can call your own. Having a roof over your head comes with its own challenges, however. As a new homeowner, there are a number of things you should know about your roof, some challenges you need to be on the lookout for, and some things you should do. These include:
1. Minor Roof Issues
Even if you literally climbed up the roof before you bought your new home, give it another round of inspection before you settle in. Take note of anything that could become an issue in the future. However minor you may think an issue is, do not ignore it. Note it down or have it fixed immediately. Once you establish the state your roof is in, you will be able to take remedial measures to protect your home from potential roof emergencies.
2. Regular Inspections
Once or twice a year, get your roof inspected to make sure it is in good condition. You do not have to wait an entire year to inspect your roof if you recently survived a storm. Since your roof is always exposed to the elements, with time, it starts to wear and tear. Regular inspection arrests minor repair issues before they become roof-replacement emergencies.
3. Reputable and Reliable Roofers
Working with a reliable roofer is extremely important since not all roofers have the requisite skills, experience and expertise in roofing. Not every roofer can fix a roof. Some might even leave your roof worse off than they found it. Always make sure you are working with professional roofers, so check out local roofers before you have a major repair on your hands.
4. A Roof Maintenance Plan
After inspection, clean and repair your roof. See what needs replacing soon and replace it now. Regular maintenance helps you spot and stop trouble before it stops you. If prevention is better than a cure, having a roof maintenance plan is far better than having to replace your entire roof. Using reliable roofing materials will also reduce the chances of requiring regular roof maintenance.
5. Roof Warranty
It is important to know whether a roof is under warranty or not. If it is, is it transferable to you, the new owner? You also need to check all the warranty paperwork to establish what the warranty covers and what it does not.
6. Clogged Gutters and Leaks
As a new homeowner, you need to be on the lookout for clogged gutters and leaks. Regular maintenance and inspections will reveal any clogged gutters and leaky areas your roof may have.
7. Damages
Should you find any curled or clawed shingles, get them replaced as soon as possible. Replacing one or two shingles is inexpensive. You might also have damaged flashing that may start coming off after the years wear on. Dealing with damaged flashings takes a lot of time and is best left to professional roofers.
8. The Age of the Roof
The older the roof, the more likely it will have issues that need fixing. Before you buy a new home, get a professional roofer to inspect the roof and establish how long it has been in place. If it has a warranty, find out how much time is remaining and whether it is transferable. A roof can serve you for up to 15 years if installed and maintained properly. It is important to know the age of your roof to establish how many years it is away from replacement.
Ensuring your roof is intact and in prime shape entails having it regularly checked and maintained. Minor repairs done on time can prevent major roof disasters that may call for an entire roof replacement, which is always a very expensive undertaking.
Connect with us