An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure said Benjamin Franklin in 1736 in reference to fire safety. These wise words have been shown to be applicable to many things well beyond fire prevention. Especially when it comes to roofs, spending a little on roof maintenance at least once a year will save your thousands in repairs later on.
It’s no secret, when you keep something well maintained, you avoid the high costs of neglect while ensuring your investments stay in good condition and working order. We see this everyday in the maintenance of our cars, computers, even ourselves, but we don’t really think about our roofs until there is a problem, and with roof problems poorly maintained roofs result in much higher costs than their well maintained counterparts.
Roofs Are Constantly At War With Mother Nature
With exposure to the elements like heat, rain, wind, hail, and other wear and tear, your roof is constantly being worn down as it ages resulting in damage, large and small, over the course of it’s life. The best way to catch this damage, especially the smaller ones, is with a trained eye. It’s a good idea to either inspect yourself, if you have the knowledge, experience and safety equipment or have someone come out and inspect your roof and repair any small problems they can find, promptly and regularly (once a year minimum for homes, twice a year for commercial buildings).
Studies show that improperly maintained roofs last only half of their expected service life. HALF. Why? Because those little leaks can become big leaks, that crooked shingle could indicate much deeper damage that if neglected could cost you your whole investment.
Don’t Count On Warranties Or Even Insurance If You Neglect Your Roof And Have A Problem
“But I have a warranty!” you say. That’s nice, but don’t assume that a warranty will help. Almost all warranties specifically state the the warranty is void if the roof is not maintained. After all, they aren’t responsible for upkeep and certainly won’t pay for your neglect. If you cannot show the roof has properly maintained, your claim will likely be denied and you could be responsible for all repairs, even if the problem results from an otherwise covered issue!
Regular Roof Maintenance Is Key To A Healthy Roof
You should examine your roof at least once a year (twice for businesses), to check for damage or other irregularities. Checking after storms or other weather events is also recommended, Pay attention to even the smallest perceived problems. You can do this yourself if you know what you are doing but it is highly recommended to get a professional roof contractor who can catch details and damage you may miss.
In Metro Atlanta, call Atlanta Roofing Specialists at (770) 419-2222 to schedule your inspection today and put together a sensible maintenance/inspection schedule that will help you enjoy your roof for years to come!