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People who own their homes should know that, just like any other expensive property such as a house or a car that is expected to last for a long time, their roof should also be built with quality in mind so that it will have a long service life. To ensure this, homeowners need to be sure that proper roof maintenance is performed. Unfortunately, there are many homeowners who neglect the required care for this important home feature which often results in the need for premature replacement. A homeowner's investment in a roofing system that is properly maintained will result in better performance and yield a much longer service life. Inspection What a disaster it can turn out to be when a homeowner finds it necessary to call a contractor after discovering an interior leak on a rainy day. This is why it is recommended that an inspection be performed at least once a year. It is also a good practice to call a roofing professional to inspect after a bad storm with strong winds or large hail or whenever routine maintenance or repairs need to be done on the system. Though hiring a professional to perform the inspection is advisable, it is also helpful for homeowners to know what parts of the entire roofing system need to be inspected. For example, drains and pipes should be cleared of debris so water can flow through them without a clog. The flashing, caulking and other sealants should also be thoroughly inspected. If a homeowner wants to perform their own inspection before calling a professional, it is probably unwise for them to climb onto the top of the house themselves. It is safe to do a thorough investigation from the ground by looking for ay warping or other signs of potential damage. Look for any missing or damaged shingles. Check the gutters and ensure they are properly attached and free from any debris or damage that could interrupt the flow of water. Write down any problems or issues that are discovered so they can be properly addressed. A roofing inspector will attest as to whether the structure is still in good condition or point out obvious signs of wear or damage that need to be repaired or replaced. There are contractors who will provide the homeowner with a warranty once they have completed the inspection and performed any necessary repairs. This can assure the homeowner regarding their roofing structure and provide relief should any problems occur within the warranty period in the form of repairs or replacement by the contractor at no cost to the homeowner. Maintenance Maintenance is essential in order to ensure that the structure has a long service life; yet many roofs will go unattended for decades. These rooftop coverings are a costly investment; it is important to protect them and avoid spending additional money for costly repairs or replacements that could be avoided. With a regular maintenance program in place, any minor problems can be detected and repaired before they become a serious problem. Appropriate maintenance can extend the life of the structure and spare homeowners from any future costly repairs. Frequent Cleaning Cleaning accumulation from the roof can help extend the life of the structure. Removing twigs, leaves and other objects as well as trimming or cutting away any tree branches that hang over the top will make cleaning faster and easier. Gutters should also be cleared of any objects or debris that may cause clogging or ice dams, which are very risky during the winter months. It is recommended that a hose be used to spray water into the gutters and downspouts to remove any debris or dirt from them. Continue spraying the hose until the water is free-flowing. Use a plumbing snake to remove any clogs that the water alone cannot remove. The roof is the primary source of protection for the house and its contents, as well as the family that lives in the home. Homeowners can be sure that their roof will provide them with a long service life by performing regular inspections; setting up a routine maintenance program; and by the frequent cleaning of the roof and all of its components. This is the way to ensure a long-lasting quality roof for a home! C. Michael Hunter is an expert in residential and commercial roofing. To find out more about College Station Roofs, go to the main website at: http://www.collegestationroofing.net.
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