The roof on your home protects your property from rain and helps keep everyone safe and comfortable inside. However, it does need some care and attention to keep it in top condition. In order to prevent your roof from eventually collapsing in on the home, take the right preventive steps.
Watch the Weather
Homes in hot climates have roofs with shorter lifespans. The fact is that the constant sun exposure down shingles faster than cool temperatures. Residents living in this climate should check their roofs regularly for signs of heat-stressed shingles, including shingles that are curling along the edges or separating.
In cold climates, the big concern is the weight of snow. In general, roofs in these climates are set at a steeper pitch to encourage the snow to fall off. If the snow tends to build up on your roof, then you may want to invest in a special tool called a roof rake. This tool allows you to clear snow from the lower edges of the roof while standing safely on the ground. You can also pay companies to come out and clear the snow from your roof for you.
Check the Ventilation
Attics are designed for air to come in through the soffits, move across the roof sheathing, and then exit out through the higher vents. If the attic is not properly cooled, the high temperatures inside start to bake the shingles from underneath. This type of damage is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. The roof shingles will fail more quickly, water leaks are more likely to happen, and your roof will quickly disintegrate.
Invest in Repairs Quickly
Homeowners should check their roof after every storm and look for signs of damage. This includes shingles that are missing, curled or broken. It’s also wise to invite a professional roofing company like Chisholm Roofing Ltd. to come out and manually inspect the roof shingles, flashing and other components. Investing in repairs quickly will help you avoid leaks. When a roof starts to leak, it damages the integrity of the structure, weakens the supporting joists and increases the risk of collapse.
Make your roof last longer by following these three simple steps. You may have to make investments in repairs occasionally, and there will come a point when you’ll have to replace the roof to keep the house watertight. However, these investments will protect the structure of your home and ensure that your roof does not collapse.
