subject: Roof Maintenance: Roofers In St. Catherines Offer Valuable Tips [print this page] One of the most important home improvement investments you can make is the installation of a new roof. Roofers in Hamilton will be glad to put a new roof on your home that could last for years, but how many years it will last will depend to an extent on how well you maintain it. Because it can take a real beating from the elements and the widely swinging temperatures from season to season, preventative maintenance and proper cleaning are crucial to your roof's continued performance. Modern roofing can come with impressive warranties that are in effect for as long as three decades, but that doesn't mean you can neglect appropriate care in the interim. By properly maintaining your roof, you can make it last even longer and catch potential problems earlier, before they become major repair issues.
Be Aware: Monthly Check Ups
There are some things you should check every month, including the condition of your shingles. Roofer in St. Catherines recommend homeowners walk around their homes once a month and visually inspect the roof for any signs of change, including curling, buckling or cracking shingles. Also be sure there are no shingles missing. If there are damaged ones, they need to be replaced as soon as possible, before the situation spreads from just a few shingles to the entire roof or an entire section. There are several reliable roofers in St. Catherines who will be glad to do any repairs that are needed, or you can tackle the project yourself if you're confident in your abilities. Don't waste any time; waiting could mean that the minor problem will morph into major leaking or the need for an entirely new installation. Roofers in St. Catherines can advise you on how much of it needs to be repaired.
What Is Proper Maintenance?
A proper maintenance plan is only as effective as the individual components. At the very least, you should do a complete inspection (or have one done by roofers in St. Catherines) two to four times annually. Check and reseal any loose flashing and make sure the materials haven't deteriorated. Also look for accumulated leaves or debris in and around chimney stacks, air conditioning units or any other items installed on the roof. Be sure to inspect areas where ice damming could be a problem, including corners and any areas with a low pitch. The ridge vents and areas with caulking that may need to be replaced should also be carefully checked and repaired as needed.
Seasonal Maintenance
You may not feel comfortable walking along the top of your house to inspect it for damage or wear that can't be seen during a visual inspection from the ground, but roofers in St. Catherines can do this for you. Simply call them and ask about a complete inspection. They will be happy to do a detailed inspection and let you know if any repairs are needed. Some roofers offer quarterly or seasonal maintenance plans in which they inspect and do minor repairs for a flat fee. Talk to the roofer who did the original job and ask about a routine maintenance plan.
Basic Gutter Cleaning
The most basic kind of maintenance is also the most important - regularly cleaning the gutters and downspouts. You should do this twice every year to prevent clogging, which can lead to major damage to your foundation and other problems. Roofers in St. Catherines can do the job for you, or you can use a ladder and a garden hose to flush out any problems. Installing gutter guards can also minimize the potential for clogs.
Whether you're a do-it-yourself individual or you prefer to have roofers in St. Catherines perform routine maintenance on your home, it's crucial that you have the roof inspected regularly in order to catch minor problems before they become major ones and to prolong the life of your roofing.
