Roof Maintenance
I’d be willing to bet that when you think about your roof, if at all, you’re generally not thinking about its upkeep. You may consider how the shingle color compliments your siding or shutters but not about how those leaves that keep piling up in that one section can be an issue. I mean, it’s not as if it requires an oil change or needs to be bathed periodically like the family pet. Better yet, a roof doesn’t come with an expiration date, so it’s pretty unlikely that the average homeowner will ever give much thought to the condition of their roof or the preventative steps that can be taken to extend its lifespan. At H2H Roofing, we’re committed to providing our customers with all of their roofing needs as well as educating them in a few simple steps that can insure their homes are protected for years to come.
What Is Maintenence?
Most manufacturers recommend fairly simple and straightforward directions on taking preventative steps to ensure that you get the most out of not only your shingles but other roofing components as well. For instance, Owens Corning suggests an annual cleaning of your gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re functioning properly. Rainwater falls off of a roof into a gutter and away from a homes’ foundation via the downspouts. If the water’s flow is obstructed by debris like leaves, it then has the possibility to get under the shingles of your roof and into your home.
Severe weather events such as significant thunderstorms or hurricanes are some of the biggest culprits in having an adverse effect on your home’s roof cover. They also provide a clear and obvious signal which might spark you thinking about your roof. This can also be a “too late” situation, as the damage may be done after a storm has passed. That’s why H2H encourages you to consider regular inspections of your roof both before and after Hurricane Season is highly recommended. And just like storms can be an obvious indication that you may need to check your roof; we’d like to highlight some things you may not think are as important.
If you live in Louisiana, then you’re probably familiar with Pine Trees…. We all know that the subsequent pinecones and needles can litter our yards and vehicles but when’s the last time you thought to clear your gutters of this organic debris. Tree limbs, leaves and other vegetation can be detrimental to a roof’s integrity, especially when they’re left to gather around valleys, chimneys and other areas where water cannot drain.
Although your roof is designed and installed to provide the outermost layer of protection to your home, a failure could be problematic and costly. Regular inspections of your roof and its components can help identify and address any potential areas of concern. This would consist of things like checking the drip edge and making sure it is secure, confirming that the shingles themselves have not been uplifted and of course, ensuring that your gutters are free from obstruction.
Please! DO NOT place yourself in harm’s way! If you’re not comfortable with or able to climb a ladder yourself, contact H2H Roofing today to schedule your free roof inspection.
How Does Maintenance Affect My Homeowner's Policy?
You may be thinking, “I’m not worrying about inspecting my roof because if a storm damages it, my insurance company will replace it” but will they? Having your roof inspected regularly along with performing general upkeep will allow you to take the preventative measures needed to ensure your roof’s integrity. However, even if your roof is damaged by what insurance companies call “an act of God” and they determine that you have neglected to perform basic maintenance, more than likely your claim will be denied. Most insurance carriers include clauses written into their policies specifically stating that the homeowner is responsible for general maintenance and upkeep. These would include things like inspecting loose or missing shingles, cleaning debris from the gutters and addressing any issues promptly. For instance, if a couple of shingles have been blown off during a storm, installing a tarp over the area to prevent further damage would demonstrate that a homeowner is taking the appropriate actions to maintain their home. If a claim was filed, not only the repair but the tarp itself used to temporarily cover the damage would more than likely be approved by the insurer. On the other hand, if the missing shingles were not addressed prior to a claim being filed, the claim could be denied due to neglect.
One proactive step a homeowner can take is working with a local and licensed roofing contractor like us, here at H2H Roofing, who can provide free roof inspections, offering digital documentation of the current condition of your roof. Whether your roof is given a clean bill of health or requires a replacement or repair, knowing its condition will allow you to take the appropriate steps to return your peace of mind.
The Importance of Roof Inspections
Now that we know the importance of roof maintenance and the potential impact it could have when filing an insurance claim, let’s make a plan of action to ensure that your roof is covered
, pun intended. If you’re a homeowner and a DIYer who has an extension ladder and is capable of climbing onto your roof 1 to 2 times a year safely, great! We’d recommend taking photos from several angles of each slope of your roof as well as gutters, siding, etc. to document their current conditions. Proving damage to your home after a weather event will be a lot easier with this evidence. But if you’re like most people and you more than likely will never climb onto your roof, you may feel more comfortable letting the professionals at H2H Roofing provide you with this service. Our Home Advisors will thoroughly inspect your roof and provide you with digital documentation of that inspection. Whether your roof is given a clean bill of health, or it requires further attention, we are here to help guide you through the process. Call our office today to schedule your complimentary roof inspection.
~ H2H Team
“Let’s Roof!”
I’d be willing to bet that when you think about your roof, if at all, you’re generally not thinking about its upkeep. You may consider how the shingle color compliments your siding or shutters but not about how those leaves that keep piling up in that one section can be an issue. I mean, it’s not as if it requires an oil change or needs to be bathed periodically like the family pet. Better yet, a roof doesn’t come with an expiration date, so it’s pretty unlikely that the average homeowner will ever give much thought to the condition of their roof or the preventative steps that can be taken to extend its lifespan. At H2H Roofing, we’re committed to providing our customers with all of their roofing needs as well as educating them in a few simple steps that can insure their homes are protected for years to come.
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