6 Ways to Avoid a Roofing Catastrophe

Your roof is one of the most important pieces of your house, and when it fails, it can cause catastrophic damage to your home. Even a small failure in your roof can lead to extensive water damage in your home, mold, or even pest infestation. Small failures in your roof can also bring down the energy efficiency of your home, which can cost you a lot of money in higher utility costs over time.

It’s important that you take regular steps to keep your roof healthy to avoid problems. Here are six things you can do to avoid a roofing catastrophe:

Wood Block Build Up Little House

Get a Regular Roof Inspection

Your roof should be inspected twice a year. That may seem like a lot, but even minor issues with your roof can become big problems quickly, and getting a regular roof inspection can help you avoid that escalation. The roofing inspection will check for things like missing or loose shingle or tile, small leaks, problems with the flashing, clogged gutters that could cause ice dams, and failing underlayment or subdecking.

Your roofer will provide you with a comprehensive report with the findings from the inspection, including whether any maintenance or repairs are needed.

Make Repairs Quickly

If your roofer tells you that your roof needs a repair, or if you know that a repair is needed because of issues you’ve seen for yourself, don’t put that work off. Every day that you put off the repair, the damage can continue to spread throughout your roof and then throughout your home. You are only compounding the problem with your delays. You’ll pay far less money and deal with far less stress if you make the roof repairs as soon as you know they are needed. You’ll also extend the life of your roof.

Stay Alert to Leaks

Even a small leak can cause a major disaster for your roof. The slow trickle of water can damage the subdecking of your roof, which can compromise the other materials. It can spread to the roof joists, your ceiling, and other materials, spreading rot and mold with it. You need to take care of leaks as soon as you notice them.

You can better detect leaks by staying alert to them. Look for yellow or brown stains on your ceiling or walls. Take a look inside your attic periodically for signs of water, such as mold or black marks on the wood. Your routine roofing inspection will also detect leaks that you cannot spot yourself, so be sure to stay on schedule with these.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

If you don’t have the right ventilation in your attic space, moisture can build up, which can lead to rotting in your roofing materials and mold. You need to have a roofer inspect the space to ensure that your ventilation is adequate for the health of your roof and the maximum energy efficiency of your home. If the roofer recommends changes, you should make them immediately. You’ll protect the life of your roof and save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

Hire the Right Roofer

You need an experienced roofer who is also local to work on your home. Local roofers know how the climate affects your roof, specifically, and they will be able to make proper recommendations for your roofing materials. An experienced roofer will also be able to spot problems early and make the right recommendations to protect your roof and your home.

Always check the credentials for a roofer before you make the hire. Anyone can say that they have experience and licensing, but not everyone is who they claim to be. Check the state board for the licensing, and check online reviews to see what previous clients have to say.

Get a Guarantee

A reputable roofer in Phoenix will offer a guarantee on the work done on your home. Always hire a roofer that offers a guarantee. Check the fine print to know what is covered – whether it’s the work or the materials – and for how long. Then keep a copy of that guarantee in case you ever have an issue with your roof. Roofers who offer a guarantee are likely to perform better-quality work, and that is going to protect you and your roof.

A roofing catastrophe can strike at any time, so you should not become complacent about your roof maintenance. Stick to an inspection schedule, and make any repairs as soon as you know you need them. You’ll ensure that your roof has a long life ahead of it, and you’ll save yourself a lot of money and heartache.

Allstate Roofing is a reputable local roofing company that can help you keep your roof in top shape. We perform repairs, as well as re-roofing, and we handle all types of popular roofing, including shingle and tile. Our roofers are committed to providing the highest-quality workmanship so that your roof lasts as long as possible. Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our roofing contractors or to get an estimate for your roof work.

Written by Chad Thomas

“Chad Thomas, born in Arizona and influenced by his licensed roofer father, gained extensive experience in major companies before founding his own licensed roofing business.”