by Roofer911.com |
We’ve all heard that “A Stitch in time saves nine” when it comes to our clothes but how often do we apply that old adage to roof repair? If you don’t take care of any roof maintenance while you are blessed with good weather, you’ll end up cursing when the weather turns foul and the destructive drips start up once again.
Of course, you could always be like the landlord, who placed a large plastic trash can under an attic leak to save money. Unfortunately, new tenants ignorant of the landlord’s stop gap measure moved the trash can to store some items on a sunny summer day and the first rainy autumn day thereafter had some very unhappy tenants bailing out their living room. The leaking roof let so much water down into the attic that the ceiling developed a huge stain where it wasn’t just disintegrating from all the wet.
The landlord had to come out and assess the situation only to find out his delayed repairs meant the entire wood shingle roof had to be removed and replaced since months, if not years of rain, had rot ruined not only the shingles themselves but also the rafters. The ceiling could be repaired and repainted but the roof cost major money to make the place rent-worthy once again.
Rain, obviously is a major culprit when it comes to causing roofing damage but its more solid manifestations as sleet and snow can cause havoc too especially if roof repair and maintenance has been delayed. A weakened roof will actually collapse under the weight of snow so it’s important to check your roof after storms of any kind.
Most leaks start around the flashings, skylights, and areas where gables intersect. Clogged gutters will force water back up and under where the eaves meet the rafters.
Whatever water doesn’t destroy, wind will. Storms and hurricanes will rip loose shingles off roofs so it’s important to check your roof for wind damage after every major wind storm especially if your home and its roof have been hit by falling branches.
With everyone watching their budgets these days, doing preventative roof maintenance will make you sleep drier, snugger and warmer at night. It’s the best and cheapest form of roof repair there is.
Steven Briesemeister
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