Colorado has some pretty extreme weather – but that doesn’t mean you should have extreme roofing costs. There’s one easy way to keep your costs down, and keep the water out, but it takes just a bit of advanced planning – here’s how.
There are many types of emergency, and I don't want to compare which are worse - but let me tell you this, there are few things more frustrating than knowing your roof is leaking, and being unable to fix it.
All you can do is sit there, and watch as the cost slowly increases with each drip, as you wait for an open slot to get a repair. In some scenarios, you could climb on your roof with a tarp to try to slow it down, but that can be dangerous. You're probably better off calling the professionals.
An even better strategy, is taking a few precautions in advance so that you never end up with a leak, and this is a problem you'll never have to face. It's actually pretty easy. I chased down some local experts from Apex Restoration & Roofing, and pestered them with all the questions we need answers for, so you don't have to.
Step 1 is understanding that your roof isn't like that squeaky gate you still haven't fixed, or the loose step that needs a little attention. While there are many home repairs that can be safely delayed for a few weeks, leaks or damage to a residential roof should always be fixed promptly, before the damage can spread.
Once you get a little leak, it doesn't take much to turn it into a serious flood - just a little bit of time and a few rains will do it.
Research shows that the most effective strategy for keeping residential roofs in good repair is to have regularly scheduled inspections by a professional, followed by prompt repairs of even the smallest issues. This can help to prevent damaging leaks or flooding, and can help to nearly double the lifespan of many residential roofs, while lowering their overall costs.
Sometimes an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of the cure.
While there are some fees for inspections and repairs, statistics show that you can lower your long-term costs significantly by ensuring that your existing roof lasts longer, rather than replacing it early. With proper care, a crew like the Apex team can help asphalt shingles last for up to 30 years, and metal sheeting may be able to last for 70 years, or even longer.
That's like getting a roof that will literally last a lifetime, all it takes is a bit of repair along the way. That's pretty incredible.
Just remember, that you can only get that kind of longevity from your roof by maintaining it. Due to the extreme weather in the Castle Rock area, specialists recommend that each roof should be inspected twice per year, once in the fall and once in the spring, by an expert.
These assessments help to catch the earliest signs of potential problems, so they can be corrected while the repairs are still affordable, and before the damage can grow or cause costly leaks. It's just easier and more affordable to fix small problems, rather than the giant problems they turn into if left untended.
If you've left it too long, and you need a whole new roof - I'm afraid there is no other solution sometimes. The best you can do is call up an expert, and get an on-site inspection to learn about your options.
Although professional inspections are recommended twice per year, or after extreme weather events, you can also do a quick check-up yourself.
I found a full guide on the Apex Restoration & Roofing website that explains everything you need to know to inspect your own roof, or to find a leak yourself. If you've got water coming into the house, these steps can help you to find it fast, and prevent it from getting worse.
Of course the best thing you can do is to call a professional - if you just need an expert inspection, or if you've already found a leak, they can help.
Just don't leave it too long, because trust me, when it comes to leaks the problems only keep growing until you fix them.
