Regular roof maintenance checks and inspections are necessary to keep your roof in tip-top condition and maximising its natural life. A roof is constantly exposed to the elements and regular care and maintenance is necessary to prevent premature aging and seepage that might otherwise result from the continuous wear and tear on the structure from environmental conditions.
A property maintenance company like Home Care Services offer roof care as part of their monthly Maintenance Plan offering. Home Care Services' monthly Maintenance Plan will save you time and money in the long-term when it comes to detecting and fixing property maintenance problems. Here is why you should consider signing up for Home Care Services' monthly Maintenance Plan.
What Your Property Maintenance Company Will Look For
Ask your property maintenance company to conduct a detailed inspection of your roof at least twice a year, ideally once in spring and once just before the onset of winter. These bi-annual inspections will help identify and solve problems as soon as they occur, preventing them from developing into major maintenance issues. Additional checks may need to be conducted after a severe storm or a particularly windy day.
A typical roof inspection should include checks for signs of blistering and erosion of the roofing membrane. Such abrasions are not only unattractive but they can develop into leaks and cracks, especially if they occur on the seams or the lap areas. Be on the lookout for any cracking in the caulking, especially near the walls. Don't forget to check the roof membranes for signs of weathering or exposure of the underlying materials, indicating that they have de-bonded from the base material.
It is a good idea to inspect your flashing from time to time for any open seams or gaps. This is important as the flashing protects the most vulnerable part of the roof, providing a waterproof barrier between the actual roofing and the structure beneath. Any damage to the flashing needs to be repaired immediately as a damaged flashing can result in loose roofing and / or reduced puncture resistance.
Downspouts and gutters should be thoroughly inspected for any signs of blockage or sagging of the pipes since it can lead to water retention. Check for any debris or rubbish that might have accumulated on the surface. Fallen branches and dead leaves are a common problem when it comes to blockage so make sure to regularly trim any trees that may hang over the roof. There is also a chance of waste building up in the drains so check whether the drain covers are properly installed.
Faulty installation can result in an improper slope on the roof leading to water retention. The excess weight can be too much for the roof supports, causing a sag in the roof. This is a highly dangerous situation and in the long run can cause the roof to collapse. Any type of excess weight can also lead to this type of problem, so care should be taken when installing any extraneous structures such as weathervanes, flags or other such decorations on the roof.
What To Do If There Is a Problem
Much of the potential damage that occurs to your roof may not be immediately visible to someone who is not an expert. If you notice any damage to your roof, call your property maintenance company immediately unless the roofing system is under a manufacturer's warranty, in which case you should contact the manufacturer and the installing contractor as soon as possible. It is advisable to wait for the professionals before you attempt to fix the roof.
Hiring a property maintenance company like Home Care Services ensures that your roof is examined by trained professionals who know exactly what to look for and how to fix it. With Home Care Services' monthly Maintenance Plan, you will have access to regular roof inspections among others, as well as prompt, reliable, emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at a reasonably priced monthly premium. Contact Home Care Services to find out more about their monthly Maintenance Plan.
