Roof Maintenance FAQ and Checklist

Many homeowners will add a once-a-year reminder on their calendars for roof maintenance, while others are simply squeamish about heights, so the job never goes through their minds. As a result, their properties remain subject to roof issues. Thus, the average homeowner’s insurance premium rose by 3.1% in 2018, according to Insurance Information Institute.

Regular roof maintenance is a tough, yet necessary obligation for homeowners during the spring. After a winter of precipitation and harsh winds followed by rain and snowfall, it is no wonder that the residential and commercial roofs haven’t weathered well. Hence, a roof maintenance program is a must. To help you out, we have compiled a comprehensive roof maintenance FAQ and checklist.

Roof Maintenance FAQ

Who Should I Contact for Roof Inspection and Repairs?

A: Whether you are a homeowner or a commercial property owner, don’t rely on just anyone to take care of roof maintenance. This may result in injuries or even death, perhaps due to an accident such as a fall. The safest option is to hire a reliable roof maintenance company to carry out inspections and perform maintenance. They comply with the guidelines issued by OSHA regarding debris removal and fall protection.

How Frequently Should I Get My Roof Inspected for Repair and Maintenance?

A: Roof inspections should be conducted at least twice a year. You may need to inspect more often if your roof is older, or you experience bad weather. The best times to schedule routine inspections are spring and fall. Inspections in the Fall allow you to get any issues fixed before you head to harsh winter weather.

What Affects the Lifespan of Your Roof?

A: Although most people associate roof problems with severe weather, the biggest predictor of roof failure is its age. The aging process is inevitable, but you can prolong your roof’s life by ensuring good maintenance. On the other hand, if you leave issues like debris build-up, standing water, and holes and tears unaddressed, the life of your roof will be shorter than what you can imagine. 

 Roof Maintenance Checklist

When considering roof maintenance, look for these areas of concern:

• Curled or buckled shingles
• Cracked caulking
• Large deposits of lichen or moss
• Damaged or missing shingles
• Bare spots on asphalt shingles
• Rust spots on flashing
• Peeling paint on roof overhangs

Then, use this roof maintenance checklist to conduct the maintenance:

• Trim down the trees to lower the risk of damage.
• Insulate the attic
• Clear the roof gutters on a regular basis
• Reseal and caulk around pipes and vents
• Replace missing or broken shingles

Conclusion

While the above-stated FAQ and checklist should have cleared your confusion and may even help prevent serious roof issues, nothing remains certain. Sometimes, emergencies occur from nowhere and all the prior arrangements seem useless. That is why it’s important to carry homeowner’s insurance. 

Contact SIA Insurance Group for Woodridge real estate insurance. It’s a leading distributor of fully integrated risk management services to home and commercial property owners. If you’re seeking a proactive and cost-effective approach to insurance, SIA Insurance Group is the perfect insurer for you.