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The roofing system is a building's greatest protection against various outside elements. It keeps a home intact through diverse weather conditions. Therefore, it is vital to maintain it and ensure that it is performing its principal function. Proper Care As the years pass, the once durable structure that has served as the covering pf a building will begin to deteriorate due to the limited life time of the material used and the varying climate conditions. This can result in problems that translate into a much more serious and potentially expensive scenario. Properly caring for a roof is a good investment and can be done through periodic inspections and preventive maintenance as well as following some of the simple tips listed below. Inspection - Examinations are necessary to extend the life of the roof and is even more effective when done twice a year as part of routine maintenance to decrease expensive repairs. Components to check include: flashing, gutters, downpipes, chimney mortar, overhanging branches, vegetation and the actual condition of the material itself. Some components should be given a more intensive inspection to ensure being watertight. Debris - The accumulation of leaves, branches, and granules on the surface covering or in the valleys and gutters can hold water and cause damage. All of the debris should be removed and the entire area should be cleaned on a regular basis. Branches - Pruning trees will keep squirrels away, reduce the accumulation of leaves in the eaves trough, and prevent damage caused by branches rubbing on the surface material. Growths - Cleaning can be done by spraying chemicals on the infested areas or by applying zinc strips along the ridges, which is also known to be very effective against the growth of moss and algae. Sealants - Damaged or missing sealant should be replaced immediately. The area should be thoroughly cleaned before applying new polyurethane caulking. Downspouts - Check to see if these components are draining properly by running water into the gutter using the garden hose. Coatings - Worn-out protective coatings, especially those on metal roofing, should be re-applied to ensure that the material still delivers necessary protection. Rust - Remove rust spots by using a wire brush and then reapply the coating. Leak Assessment - If leaks are suspected, conduct a thorough examination of the attic and the exterior roofing surface to locate the point of penetration. This issue must be promptly addressed before it is allowed to damage the interior rooms. Once the area has been located, examine the extent of the damage and seal the penetration area to make it water tight. Seek Help - Roofing contractors are experts in the field of inspections and can give accurate advice on what should be done as well as provide a rough estimate for any necessary repairs. The easiest way to extend a roof's service life is to develop routine preventive maintenance. This can be done by conducting visual inspections, determining which components are deteriorating and are no longer effective, and then properly documenting everything. The guidelines above can be utilized to properly care for and maintain the quality of the building cover and extend the serviceable life of a roof which will service to protect the residents from the possibly catastrophic effects of severe damage and expensive repairs! C. Michael Hunter is an expert in residential and commercial roofing. To find out more about Roof Houston TX, go to the main website at: http://www.schulteroofing.com.
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