Everyone knows the age-old saying “be grateful for the roof over your head.” In order to ensure that you still have a roof remaining to be grateful for, it’s important to service your roof to ensure maximum life span. Whether you are a homeowner or have a business, all different roof types need regular roofing services and maintenance to save money on cost that come with having to repair something that is broken. Roof repairs and replacement jobs can be one of the most expensive costs that building and homeowners may incur.
Because roofs are protecting the rest of the house from the sun, rain, and wind, they are subjected to potential damage. However, even with this knowledge, the roof is often the most neglected part of any building. While some types of roofs and certain materials need to be checked less frequently, we at AABCO Roofing recommend that you do inspections on your roof at least twice a year. Roof inspections can be done by anyone who is willing to take the time to look for signs of damage or decay, but a roofing expert can also be hired to assess your roof and analyze whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Inspecting Your Roof
Here’s what to look out for on your roof:
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Roof Exterior
The roof exterior is the part of the roof that faces the outside world. There are different things to consider depending on the type of material the roof is made out of. Roof tiles are prone to cracking, whereas metal roofs sheet and screws can become loose. This allows water to seep to the roof interior and cause damage to the underlying roof structures. Also, make sure to inspect your roof after any severe windstorm of hurricane. Make sure to inspect for open areas after the installation of antennas and chimneys. For flat roofs, ponding or prolonged standing water puddles can lead to the premature aging of the roof cover. Make sure you inspect timber trusses if they are exposed to the elements as they can be prone to rotting and collapse. Ensure that there is no debris or heavy dirt accumulated on the roof as this can weigh down the roof materials and cause the tiles to crack or the material to become damaged.
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Roof Interior
Inside the roof, it is important to inspect timber beams. Cracking and areas of mold or rot are indications that there is damage to the beams and they need to be maintained or replaced. Do not paint over them as this will only make the damage worse over time. Also, ensure that the waterproofing inside the roof is covering all open areas and that there is no damage to the waterproofing. Check plumbing, geysers and electrical wires in the roof as well. Leaks that go undetected can seep into the roof interior and damage concrete roof slabs and rust metal, making them weak and unreliable.
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On The Ceiling Inside The House
Problems seen from inside the building means that there has already been a significant amount of damage to both the exterior and interior of the roof. Signs that can be seen inside the house include water stains, cracks or bubbles. This indicates that there is water collecting inside the roof. Even the smallest crack can lead to the biggest problems. Peeling paint can also be an indication of water damage inside the roof.
If you feel that your roof may need to have an inspection or that it is due time to get a service and maintenance, but are unsure who to contact to help, contact us at AABCO Roofing to have one of our qualified roofing contractors help you analyze your roof.