Taking care of roofing may be the most important property maintenance job you do all year.
A damaged roof will only get worse over time and could end up costing big money if it's not taken care of.
To prevent long-term and costly damage, follow these top five tips for roofing maintenance.
1. Inspect Your Roof Regularly
If you can see your roof from the ground, it's sensible to take a good look at it from time to time, probably at least twice a year so that you will notice when something starts to go wrong.
Binoculars may be useful, as can taking a look at a neighbor's property.
Look out for loose or missing tiles in particular and see if the roof is suffering from wear and tear.
Check that the chimney flashings are intact and that there are no missing sections to the gutters.
2. Look Out For Problem Vegetation
Vegetation such as moss growing in the gutters can cause real roof maintenance problems over time.
You can probably see if there are pebbles or moss clogging up the roof itself or any sections of the gutters and if so, these need to be cleared away to stop them causing real problems.
Moss, for example, may retain moisture and damage the roof covering in the winter months. A job like this is far easier to do during the summer months.
3. Act Quickly
Where there is a clear proble, such as a leaking roof, it is important to act fast as roof maintenance issues can spiral in magnitude and cost over time if not properly addressed.
Other warning signs to look out for include daylight penetration, debris on the ground from broken shingles or slates, and signs of mortar droppings in the gutters or gullies.
If you use a fuel fire, smoke exiting through brickwork or at the base of chimney pots may also point to serious roof maintenance needs.
4. Bring In The Experts
Amateur roof maintenance work can be dangerous and costly.
If in doubt, ask a surveyor for advice or bring in the experts and get the job done properly by an accredited roof maintenance team.
Genuine roof experts are often accredited by The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, The Guild of Master Craftsmen, or The Federation of Master Builders - look out for these accreditations before choosing your team.
Unskilled labor or quick-fix options are likely to lead to greater costs in the long run.
Expert advice may be required if you have leaning chimneys or pots, and unusual roof coverings such as lead or thatch may need to be inspected by specialists.
5. Get A Few Quotes
To make sure you find the right people to take care of your roofing maintenance, don't be afraid to ask for a few quotes from local roof maintenance experts.
That doesn't always mean going for the cheapest option, however - always take into account the experience and reputation of the roofers you are employing.