When you’ve just purchased a home, one of the most important things you need to do is to pay attention to the condition of the roof. A leak in the roof can quickly turn into damaged ceilings and rotted joists, so it’s critical to be aware of what’s going on with your roof before you even close on the purchase.
Roof Maintenance Tips
Get Your Roof Checked Out
Some homeowners are ready to install a new roof as soon as they purchase a home, but others know there are several years of life left in the existing roof. Unless the old roof is obviously bad with missing shingles or big leaks, it can be difficult to figure out which situation you are in. In that situation, give us a call. Davis Roofing has made many such assessments of homes, giving advice to homeowners on when and if they’ll need to replace it.
Watch for Damage
The weather is the main enemy of your roof. Even a well-built home can suffer damage from wind and hail, so it’s important after every severe weather event that you give the roof a quick visual appraisal. Make sure shingles haven’t blown off or been damaged, and examine the attic for any signs of water seeping through. And again, don’t hesitate to call us at Davis Roofing to let us check it out.
Reduce Risk
Many of the ordinary things that take place around a home can have a detrimental impact on the roof. Scenic shade trees can add beauty and value, but the movement of branches across the roof can damage shingles. Have problem limbs removed–or even the whole tree. Make sure that other contractors like chimney inspectors and cable TV installers are not tearing shingles loose as they work, too.
Take Action Quickly
If you do see any kind of damage, don’t wait. Many people ignore leaks and other problems until they become severe. In the roofing business, we know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We’ll repair minor problems before they become major ones. At the first sign of damaged or missing shingles, call Davis Roofing for help.
Research Your Roof
Shingles have a limited lifespan. They can be rated anywhere from 25 to 40 years, so a little background data can give you an idea of when to expect to replace the roof. Buying an existing home could make this tougher, but sometimes just knowing the year of construction is enough. You may also be able to find some leftover shingles that can provide hints. Insurance claims by the previous owner can also help.
At Davis Roofing, we like to help our customers help themselves. The more we can do together, the better your outcome will be. The roof protects every single part of the home, so educate yourself about your big purchase and take these simple steps to protect your roof so it can protect you.
