How to Prevent Roof Repair

Who wants to worry about roof repair? This is an integral part of the house or building structure. If it begins to leak or break down, it will affect all other aspects of the building. The best way to avoid unnecessary repairs is with planning and maintenance. The old adage about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure is certainly true with roofing. Here are some things to think about.

- Hire a professional to install it: A roof is one building component that requires a knowledgeable professional for installation. Some jobs are suitable for the novice or the jack-of-all-trades but this is not one of them. It may seem fairly simple to just climb up there and hammer on a few shingles. How hard can it be? Plenty difficult! The corners, drainage and nail methodology must be performed in a precise manner or leaks will start occurring in the early life of the structure and prompting roof repair. Don’t cut corners on this crucial aspect.

- Materials chosen: It’s wise to think it through when choosing materials for the roofing. Some options are better for certain climates and architectures than others. Clay tiles, for example, are very durable in extremely hot climates like the deserts of Arizona or California.

They’re attractive, too. The downside is that they are very heavy. An architect will have to allow for adequate strength to hold up those weighty tiles. Metal is a bit more expensive but it’s great for snowy regions. Why? Because the ice and snow will slide right off. How great is that? Shingles come in a variety of price ranges, grades and colors. These can fit with lots of styles and can be a budget minded selection.

- Once the job has been completed, maintenance will be required. A homeowner should plan to climb up there every few months to check out the wear-and-tear. Looking for curling, cracked, missing tiles or shingles will allow for reparation before leaks occur. Making certain that there are no gaps around chimneys or other problematic spots will keep things shipshape.

- Remove debris: It’s wise to take a broom up there and sweep off all dirt, debris and leaves. Pooling debris is an invitation to puddles and eventual water damage.

- Clear rain gutters: Rain gutters are great for getting the water onto the ground where it belongs. If the gutters become clogged with leaves or whatnot, they won’t be effective. A homeowner should make sure they’re clear before the storms begin.

- Mildew or moldy trouble: Zinc strips are available for spaces that are prone to algae or mildew. Keep it from growing in the first place with these helpful devices.

- Trim trees so they don’t hover: Trees that are planted close to the home should be trimmed on a regular basis so that overhanging limbs are curtailed. Branches and limbs crashing on the roof are problematic for all concerned.

The best way to prevent unneeded roof repair is by proper maintenance as well as planning. These steps will keep everything under the roof dry and cozy.