Nobody thinks about their roof until there’s a problem. And by then, it’s already too late. It’s the one part of a home that most people take for granted, and it isn’t until it starts to leak or have problems that people realize how important it is to the vitality of their home. With some regular maintenance, you can keep your roof in good condition and avoid expensive repairs later on.
Here are some common questions people ask about roof maintenance.
How long do roofs usually last?
The life expectancy of a roof will depend on several different factors (such as roof material, climate, and weather), but it can also depend on your roof maintenance program. If you want more detailed information about your roof, you should look at your warranty. But here are some of the common types of roofing and their average lifespans:
- Metal Roofs — These roofs will have a lifespan of 40-60 years.
- Built-Up Roofing Membrane — This type of roofing consists of alternating layers of tar and gravel and can last 20 years or longer with proper roof maintenance.
- Spray-On Roofing (SPF) — This type of roofing is created with a liquid spray that expands into a foam and hardens into a solid layer. Spray-on roofs can last up to 50 years.
- Thermoset EPDM Membrane — This type of roofing is made of a synthetic rubber and can last up to 40 years.
- Thermoplastic Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Roof Membrane — This is a relatively new method of building a roof and has an approximate lifespan of 10-20 years.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
How often should I inspect my roof and make repairs?
You should inspect your roof at least twice a year. But if you experience bad weather on a regular basis or have an older roof that requires more care, you might want to consider implementing a more frequent inspection schedule. Some repairs also require a minimum or maximum temperature for the materials to adhere or pack properly, so you want to keep that in mind.
Spring and fall are the best times to schedule your routine inspections. Spring is a proverbial sweet spot between the extremes of winter and the heat of summer — both of which can degrade roofing materials. The milder weather is also a bonus for people who are performing roof maintenance. Fall, on the other hand, will allow you to find and repair problems before moving into winter.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
There are several things you need to think about before you decide if it’s time to replace your roof, which include the following:
- Warranty.
- Age and condition of the roof and life expectancy of the materials.
- The extent of the damage.
- The frequency of repairs.
- The cost of repairs.
Recovering or recoating your roof can extend your roof’s lifespan, but some roofing materials can only be recovered once. Be sure to speak to a professional roofer if you’re in doubt.
Who should provide inspection and maintenance services for my roof?
Your best and safest option is to hire a roof maintenance company to perform regular inspections and to carry out any maintenance when it’s needed. It will allow you to get expert advice. You will also have access to someone who can perform professional repairs and installations. If you’re not inspecting your roof on a regular basis and keep records of that and any necessary repairs, you could void your warranty.
What else do I need to do to keep my roof in good condition?
Aside from having your roof inspected on a regular basis, here are some other tasks you should perform if you want to keep it in good condition:
- Keep your gutters clean — You should clean your gutters at least twice a year. But if you have a lot of trees near your home, it’s a good idea to do it more often.
- Trim trees near your roof — You should inspect any trees around your home on a regular basis, and make sure to trim any branches that may be rubbing against your roof or dropping debris onto it.
- Check your flashing — Look for any gaps or cracks, and watch for any signs of rust or corrosion in the metal.
- Check for moss and algae growth — You want to check areas of your roof where there’s shade and moisture, and you should remove any growth with a scrub brush.
If you’re looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi to help you with all your maintenance needs, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Roofing.