Roof Maintenance Tips: How to Extend Roof Life and Avoid Costly Replacements
Did you know it costs a lot less to repair a roof than to replace it? Still, many folks forget, and have to spend way more to replace their entire roof early, when it could have lasted for twice as long! Here’s how it works.
In my experience, there are two types of people in this world - the type who plan in advance and spend a little now, to save a lot later... and the ones who forget, and have to replace their entire roof early.
Being a part of the first group, planning in advance and taking care of things early, has a lot of benefits. For one thing, it can save you a serious amount of cash, with very little effort.
It's super simple, you don't even have to do the work, you just have to make a phone call, or an email. When you hire a local expert to inspect your roof, such as , they'll let you know what kind of repairs you need, how much they'll cost, and if it's a good investment. It's easy.
Why Repairing Roofs Costs Less In The Long Run
You might be thinking, "Inspections, repairs? That sounds expensive!?"
If you are, you're at least partially correct - there is an expense to getting an inspection or repairs, but let me ask you this... would you rather pay for a whole new roof? Because in the long run, that's your option.
You may have a roof that says it's rated for 30 years, if it's asphalt shingles, or even 70 years if it's a metal roof - but do you really think it will last that long with zero maintenance? I can tell you right now, it won't.
Those ratings are accurate, but they rely on regular inspections and fixes, if you want your roof to last to its maximum rated lifespan. It's just like your car, it certainly won't last long if you never change the oil or insist on driving it with a flat tire... but the repairs are still definitely cheaper than buying a new one.
Estimating The Costs & If It's Worthwhile
I wish I could just tell you the answer, but since I can't see your roof, you'll have to do a small amount of legwork here, but don't worry, it's gonna be easy.
The simple way to find out all the answers, and you'll hear me say this a lot because it's true - is to call a professional and ask. That's why we have professionals, and trust me, you don't want to try to fix your roof yourself unless you're already a pro.
Whether you've got shingles, sheeting, tiles, or something else, a local specialist can perform a full, in-depth checkup on your roof, and they'll have all the answers. You can find out how much it will cost to repair, how long it will last with or without repairs, and what the cost difference is in replacing the entire roof.
Here's a tip. Unless your roof is pretty much destroyed already, it's almost always better to get the repairs. If you get it repaired soon after any damaging storm, you could even make your roof last longer than its rated for.
When & How To Get Inspections, To Cut Your Costs
How often you need inspections will depend on a few things, but mainly, it will depend on how much danger your roof is currently in.
For example, if you have an already aging and worn-out roof, and you live in an area with a lot of extreme weather... It's not looking good. You'll probably need to get inspections several times a year to catch any problems, and the lifespan of your roof may be limited anyway.
On the other hand, if you have a newer roof, in an area with less extreme weather, a single inspection per year might do you... Though I might recommend two, just in case. One in the spring, to check for damage caused by winter, and one in the fall, to check for damage caused by the summer heat.
A good plan, so that you don't forget, is to set up an inspection plan with a professional roofer so that all your dates are booked in advance, and it's no big deal if you don't remember to call them. Don't worry, they'll remember even if you don't.
Do A Quick Check For Free, Here's How
While a self-inspection can't compare to a professional check-up, it's still a quick, free, and easy way to assess your roof between seasons.
Remember that if you're not comfortable climbing up on the roof, then don't. Check what you can from the ground, and leave the rest to the experts.
Apex Restoration & Roofing has a free guide on how to check your own roof, and the warning signs that suggest you should call an expert. Just don't forget to call them after, if you need a few fixes before the next big storm.
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements - so don't forget about it.
Take care of your roof, and you'll be amazed how much you can save in the long run, and that's not including how much you save by preventing a flood inside your house.
