Roof Maintenance
We think of roof maintenance the same way as maintaining a car. It would be unheard of to drive a car for years on end and never look under the hood or change the oil, brakes or tires
How Do You Maintain a Roof?
Roof Inspection
Inspection by a professional roofer is vital to maintaining a healthy roof.
Clean Gutters
Keeping your gutters clean will prevent water and mold from building up under the roofing materials.
Clean Off Moss and Algae
Removing moss and algae properly can help protect your roofing materials, speak with a professional before cleaning.
Undoubtedly, “lack of maintenance” is among the top reasons why roofs fail.
Whether it’s a large hole or a small leak, water below the top layer of a roof surface destroys everything in its path. However, small leaks are the worst leaks, because undetected the damage is ongoing. It rots wood sheathing and trusses, increases utility costs and can even cause’s unknown health challenges due to mold and mildew. This damage gradually eats away at your safety, comfort and security, often up to 13 years, before it becomes visible inside the home.
While it’s easy to ignore the maintenance needs of your roof, it’s not a good idea to do so. Roofing materials are designed to last for many years but, without proper maintenance, their lifespan will be shortened. That’s why Sonshine Roofing is such a strong proponent of establishing regular roof maintenance schedules and sticking to them. When roofing maintenance is conducted, there are specific points that must be addressed.
Roof Care Club Membership
Club Members receive annual roof inspection plus many other home improvement benefits; things like priority service after a storm, discount on future repairs, free gutter cleaning and much more. As a club member you will not only have peace of mind knowing that you are better prepared for whatever the weather brings, and you’re also proactively saving money by maximizing your roof’s long-term useful service life.
The Essentials
- Includes An Annual Tip Top Roof Checkup �
- Priority Appointments
- Free Dispatch Fee
$169
$311
$446
$169 – 1 year
$311 – 2 year
$446 – 3 year
Essentials Ultra
$389
$739
$1027
$389 – 1 year
$739 – 2 year
$1027 – 3 year
**includes up to 90 minutes to perform any combination of these three services during your annual inspection
Simple steps you can take to keep your roof healthy!
Clean Out Your Gutters Regularly
You might not think that your gutters have much to do with your roof. But in reality, your roof system will be in big trouble if you don’t take the time to maintain your gutters properly.
If your gutters are filled with leaves, tree branches, and dirt, it will be very difficult for water to pass through them cleanly. This will cause water to back up inside of your gutters and stay there causing damage to the adjacent roofing facets
The good news is that you can keep your gutters functioning properly by simply cleaning them out on a regular basis. It’s great to get into the habit of cleaning them out before raining season comes so that there isn’t anything stuck inside of them blocking the flow of water.
Trim Any Trees That Grow Over Your Roof
Trees that grow over the top of a roof can present problems for it.
For starters, tree branches can fall off a tree and come crashing down on a roof. If the branches are big enough, they can do damage to it when they fall. But even if they’re on the smaller side, they will still end up sitting on your roof and could cause damage if you don’t remove them quickly enough.
Trees can also provide the shade that moss and algae need to grow on a roof. While a little bit of shade isn’t the worst thing in the world, you will want to be mindful of providing too much of it if your roof is susceptible to moss and algae.
Check for Signs of Moss and Algae on Your Roof
Speaking of moss and algae, they’re known to grow on roofs and cause moisture to build on them. This moisture can work its way under shingles and cause your roof to rot.
You can typically see signs of moss and algae from the ground level. But even if you can’t see it, that doesn’t mean it’s not there.
During a roof inspection, roofers will check for signs of moss and algae and recommend how to remove it properly if they find it. They’ll also give you roofing tips for keeping moss and algae off your roof in the years to come.
Monitor Signs of Roof Leaks Inside Your Home
Are there dark spots forming on the ceilings of your home, or is there water that is working its way into your attic space?
These are indications that you might have a roof leak. Roof leaks can be hard to spot even if you’re right up next to them. Keep in mind if you begin to see signs of a leak it may have been leaking many months or years before it ever presents itself inside your home.
You can prevent most leaks from springing in the first place by doing regular roof maintenance. However, there’s always a chance your roof could start leaking suddenly.
You should never put off having a leak fixed. You want to catch it and fix it before it turns into a situation where you need to replace your whole roof or have a much more costly repair.
Roof Maintenance Tips Blog
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F.A.Q.
Choosing a roofing contractor is as important as the type of roof selected and the materials used. Head over to the 5 Things Every Roofing Contractor Should Tell Youpage to learn more.
Get an experienced consultation and estimate by calling us today to schedule a time to meet with one of our Roofing Specialists.
How long should a roof last?
Multiple factors play in to how long a roof should last. Items to consider include the type of shingle used, your climate, and whether or not a roof is maintained regularly. These contribute to a roof’s integrity in varying degrees.
The average roof constructed with asphalt shingles should last a minimum of 20 to 25 years. As the vast majority of structures in the United States currently have asphalt shingle roofs, this applies to most homes.
Metal roofs tend to be extremely durable and can last 40 years or more while tile roofs can reach a lifespan of 50 years. Invest in a slate roof and it may easily outlast the lifespan of the homeowner. (This assumes all of these roofs are properly installed and maintained.)
Visit our page How To Make Your Roof Last for more information on maintaining the roof for longer use.
Would a repair be suffecient?
Homeowners often wonder if they can get by with a roof repair versus a roof replacement, which is far more costly. At SonShine Roofing, we want you to make a decision based on what’s best for you. There are a few key things to consider when choosing, such as the scope of repair needed, materials used originally, and the geographical location of the home.
Find out more about roof repair here. We also offer inspections to help you identify the overall condition of your roof.
How will I know a roof needs to be replaced?
The average lifespan of an asphalt roof, the most common type of roof in America, is 20 to 25 years, but a roof can last much longer when properly maintained. However, a shorter lifespan may occur if the roof was installed over old roofing material. The same is true if adequate ventilation is not present. The presence of excessive granules in the gutters on the home indicates the roof may need to be replaced. These granules tend to be present in gutters when the life cycle of the shingles is nearing its end. The presence of dark or inconsistent spots on the roof may be a sign of granules that are falling off.
When walking on the roof, such as when installing Christmas lights or cleaning off roof debris, pay attention to any areas that feel spongy or bouncy like a trampoline. This typically means moisture has made its way to the decking underneath the roofing material, and the roof may need to be replaced. All are signs it’s time to call a reputable roofing company to do a more thorough inspection. This will help you determine what is needed, a roof repair or roof replacement.
For example, a shingled roof is of very little value without nails to hold it in place. However, the manufacturers of each of a roof’s components only cover the items they manufacture. A shingle manufacturer will not replace a roof that’s under warranty if they determine the nails caused the roof failure. A fifty year or lifetime shingle manufacturer warranty is of little value if the nails rust out and leak in a few short years.
Various warranties have certain limitations and have very specific requirements or the warranty is null and void. Make sure your contractor understands the fine print of each of the various materials they are recommending and is aware of potential issues. Oversight on these details can void a material warranty during the installation process.
What questions should I ask my roofing contractor?
Certain questions need to be asked of any contractor. For instance, many people ask about “the warranty” on the roof when they should really ask about two different types of warranties. One warranty covers the materials used and the other covers the workmanship. Homeowners need to understand this and read over the terms and conditions of each warranty. There are numerous other questions that should ask before hiring a roofing contractor, and more information on these questions can be found on the 5 Things to Ask Your Sarasota Roofing Contractor page.
Having your roof looked at by a professional roofing contractor at least once a year is the best way to protect your roofing investment. Annual inspections and maintenance when needed will minimize your overall roofing cost. Detecting a problem before it becomes larger can make the difference between an inexpensive repair or a complete roof replacement. Let us help you maintain your roof to maximize its useful service life.
Should I pay for a roofing estimate?
People often look for companies who offer free estimates on roofing repairs or replacement. Free estimates draw customers in, but if they decide to have work done on the home, the estimate is often rolled into the costs. The company has to make up this money somewhere. This may be done by raising the price of the work you need, which includes your free estimate and that of others who didn’t choose their company. Many don’t share this information with the customer. Keep this in mind when choosing which companies to work with, and know the estimate will get paid in some way, and potentially more than your fair share.
Find out more about Why We Charge A Service Fee for a Roofing Estimate and what you’re really getting with free estimates.
Having your roof looked at by a professional roofing contractor at least once a year is the best way to protect your roofing investment. Annual inspections and maintenance when needed will minimize your overall roofing cost. Detecting a problem before it becomes larger can make the difference between an inexpensive repair or a complete roof replacement. Let us help you maintain your roof to maximize its useful service life.
What should I expect during roof replacement?
At SonShine Roofing, we want you to be prepared for the best roof replacment experience possible. You may find this post helpful so you know what to expect during roof repair and replacment.
Find out more about Why We Charge A Service Fee for a Roofing Estimate and what you’re really getting with free estimates.
Having your roof looked at by a professional roofing contractor at least once a year is the best way to protect your roofing investment. Annual inspections and maintenance when needed will minimize your overall roofing cost. Detecting a problem before it becomes larger can make the difference between an inexpensive repair or a complete roof replacement. Let us help you maintain your roof to maximize its useful service life.
Contact Us
Sign up for Roof Care Club
Signing up for our Roof Care Club is as easy as filling out this form. We will contact you once we receive your request to schedule your first inspection