Residential roofing

Is residential roofing an exciting topic?  Except for roofing contractors or other residential roofing specialists, who would want to talk about residential roofing? How about home owners? One of the most important elements of a home is the roof.  Therefore it’s necessary for homeowners to be up to date on the subject of residential roofing at least as far as it pertains to their own residence.

Location, location, location is often discussed as the #1 rule in real estate, it’s just as important when it comes to residential roofing.  Roofing needs vary by region and include such elements as ability to withstand tree limbs, wind resistance, fire resistance, ability to withstand or to allow snow to slide off, and even color when it comes to a good looking roof for the area.  Residential roofing needs are quite different in New Hampshire than they would be in Los Angeles.  For those who purchase homes it’s important to understand the features and maintenance needs of the roof.  For those who build homes, particularly if they serve as their own general contractor, selecting the right roof for the region is a key.

Since purchasing pre-built homes is more common, let’s examine some of the maintenance issues that are important to ensuring the best performance and longest life from the roofing system.  First amongst these issues is timing.  Proper maintenance should begin as soon as the roofing system is complete.  Such maintenance will save money in the long run.  Immediate maintenance includes inspecting the work and checking the contractor’s license, insurance, and whether all aspects of the roofing system were installed to manufacturer’s specifications or to local government guidelines.

After six months to a year the roof should be inspected for debris such as sticks, leaves, and even garbage such as aluminum cans and that debris removed.  This should be repeated at least once a year.  Also further ensure proper drainage by cleaning gutters at least once a year.  If the residential roof can’t drain, it will develop leaks.  Leaks cause a great deal of damage, including the possibility of mold that can completely destroy a home.

Pipe boot, the material at the bottom of vent and other pipes on the roof, often require replacing after only a few years.  This is particularly true in states like Oklahoma that don’t require pipe jacks to be made out of long lasting lead.

Many roofers convince home owners that the entire roof needs replacing even when there’s only a tiny leak. That’s nonsense.  And the best way to avoid the scam is to have the roof inspected twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.  An easy way to remember to have the residential roofing inspected is to do it when the clocks spring forward and fall back.

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