The condition of the roof of your house is an extremely important thing that many do not consider until it is too late. You may be sitting at home watching TV and you’ll notice a damp patch on the ceiling, it may not seem like much at the time but it can mean structural damage and a financial burden that can affect the quality of your life in multiple ways.
A considerable amount of money is and should be spent on making sure that your home or business is fit for purpose.
Regular inspection
A regular inspection might seem like a waste of time but it is one of the most crucial actions you can take in the endeavour of keeping your house in tip-top shape. Purchase a ladder, if you don’t already have one, and take a look at least every month. Look for bubbling areas that tell of pooling water, damaged, missing or loose shingles that could prove an accident waiting to happen.
Check the guttering and fascia to make sure everything is secure, neat and tidy. The last thing you want is to get caught off guard by something that could have proved an easy fix.
A good rule of thumb is to prevent moss and general grime build-ups. It doesn’t hurt to invest in a pressure washer for things like this, not only is it incredibly satisfying to clean the outer walls but it lends a hand to your building in lasting a bit longer. Just make sure you do it on summer days so it can dry quickly.
No falling hazards
There are a thousand videos online showing trees and branches falling through a house roof and it happens a lot more than that as those are just the instances captured on film. If you have trees around your house, it’s key to staying on top of them to make sure they don’t grow into the structure and don’t pose a threat on windy days.
All it takes is a particularly strong gale wind and you could wind up with a tree trunk through the roof or a branch through your window. If you do have trees, keep the guttering clear to make sure that there are no blockages that prevent water from passing through. It is possible for water to wind up damaging your foundation by flooding at the base of your house.
Ventilation
A lot of houses have chimneys; roof or intake vents that allow clean air to move through the house. During stormy weather, it is possible for water to make it down those ventilation areas if they are not properly maintained. It is worth checking them and making repairs or replacements whenever you feel the need.
Insulation
Ensuring your roof is protected against ice dams during cold weather. An ice dam is where your roof allows too much heat out, which melts the snow, allows it to build up and then refreezes it elsewhere. After this, it can begin to seep through the roof into the ceiling or attic, which is trouble.
Replacements
This is a key point that is always worth remembering. If you need to repair or replace something, just go for it and do so. Allowing for a small problem that costs a little to fix to potentially become a huge one that takes a lot is not the best game plan. Water damage on roofing can cost around £1800 to fix but if the entire roof falls in, that number goes way up. Even replacing the entire roof is a preferable alternative if it comes to it.
If you need a roof replacement, contact us on 01274 974575 or visit our website.