Roof replacement in the United States can cost up to $14,100, depending on size, pitch, cost of materials, accessibility, and other factors. One way to avoid spending all this money on a new roof is to increase the lifespan of your current one through regular roof maintenance.
Generally, roofs come in two categories: flat or pitched. While the structure and materials used in these roofs are usually different, both face common enemies that can affect their integrity over time. In the flat roof vs pitched roof discussion, therefore, one thing is for sure: both require care and maintenance to perform at their best.
In this comprehensive guide, we give you several proven tips on how to maintain your roof, whether it’s flat or pitched. Read on to learn more.
Inspect Your Roof Twice a Year
The surest way to catch issues with your roof is to inspect it on a regular basis. Experts recommend that you do so twice every year.
The great thing with roof inspection is that it’s something you can do yourself, especially if you have a flat roof. However, if you are unsure about how to go about it or are uncomfortable with heights, find a seasoned roof contractor to do the inspection for you.
Be sure to address any issues you find right away. We’ll talk about some of these issues later in the article.
Keep Your Roof Clean
A big part of regular maintenance entails making sure that your roof is clean at all times. Over time, leaves, branches, dirt, and branches can accumulate on your roof.
These objects trap moisture and can encourage mold and algae growth. It’s a problem that’s more common on flat roofs than on pitched ones.
Every time you spot or suspect that your roof is dirty, get the right cleaning gear and supplies and get up on the ladder to deal with the debris. Start by sweeping away the debris before you hose off any stains and moss with water. Don’t forget to clean the gutter too.
Prune Back Vegetation
It’s not uncommon to have nearby trees that have branches hanging over or in contact with your roof. If this is the case, trim back the branches right away. Leave enough distance between your roof and any surrounding vegetation to reduce the amount of debris that accumulates on your roof.
Keep in mind that this roof maintenance task may require the help of a professional. Going about it without prior experience can lead to you causing inadvertent damage to the surface.
Remove Any Ponding Water
Ponding water refers to any water on your roof that doesn’t disappear or evaporate within 48 days despite conducive drying conditions. It’s one of the commonest roof drainage problems that can lead to expensive roof repair.
When not taken care of, ponding water can lead to the membrane degradation of your roof. That’s because ponding water exposes your roof to magnified UV radiation and encourages fungal growth.
Check for and Address Blistering
Blistering happens when water is trapped between membrane plies, evaporates, and the expanding vapor pushes the membrane out. You’ll see raised strips when your roof has this problem.
If you neglect this problem for too long, it can pose a huge threat to the integrity of the entire roofing system. Get the help of a professional as soon as possible.
Deal With Cracks
Cracks in both flat and steep roofing systems are the result of a variety of factors. Sometimes, they happen when UV rays break down your roofing membrane.
On rare occasions, poor installation is to blame. Excessive weight on your roof can also lead to surface stress that causes your roof to crack. Whatever the cause, roof cracks aren’t a problem to overlook, unless you want to endure leaks and other serious problems down the line.
Check for Snow Build Up
For homeowners in colder climates, snow buildup is a common problem. Flat and slow sloped roofing systems are especially affected as snow doesn’t slide off the roof easily.
Snow build up on your roof can affect its integrity in two ways. The snow can overload your roof and cause it to collapse. If the snow melts and the water does not drain, you’ll have a ponding water problem on your hands.
As soon as the snow on your roof reaches one foot, clean it, or hire someone to do it.
Deal With Loose Fasteners
If, during your roof inspection, you become aware that fasters are becoming loose, know that you’re in serious trouble. Loose fasteners no longer anchor your roofing system as they should, which makes your roof more susceptible to storm or wind damage. You could be facing a potential tear-off of your entire roofing system.
Faulty workmanship is usually the culprit in this case. It could be that your roofing contractor used the wrong type of fasteners during roof installation. Find a reputable roof repair expert to address the issue before disaster strikes.
Never Ignore Leaks
Leaks from your roof could signal that you have holes or cracks on your roofing system. The moment you notice any wet spots on your ceiling, it’s a clear sign that your roof is in trouble. Failure to deal with this problem can lead to water damage, which can affect the value of your property over time.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Water damage fosters mold growth, which can cause serious health problems. Find an expert in roof repair to check the root cause of the problem and deal with it before long.
Flat Roof Vs Pitched Roof: Maintenance Is Key
Once you have finished installing your roof, it’s your responsibility to maintain it on a regular basis. This is true for both flat roof vs pitched roof systems.
The good news is that most roof maintenance tasks are easily manageable on your own. That said, you should never hesitate to seek expert help where necessary.
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