Maintaining an older roof is one primary task Georgia homeowners need to do to keep their roofs in good condition. Older roofs are more prone to rusting, curling and moisture problems, simply because they have put in more time and served more of their useful life span. The most important component of maintenance is the annual roof inspection. Hire a pro to do the job, because roofing experts know how to immediately spot problems and have the expertise to properly address them. Getting up on the roof is dangerous and unless you have the right tools, experience and balance you could risk your health.
The roof inspection
When a pro performs a roofing inspection, he or she will look for problems such as:
- Caulking that's cracked
- Flashing that's rusted
- Blistering shingles
- Curling shingles
- Buckling shingles
- Missing shingles
- Cracking rubber around vent pipes
- Missing chimney caps
- The presence of moss or lichen, which is often a sign of problems underneath the roof
- Asphalt grit inside gutters
Once you know what to look for, you can perform a visual inspection of your roof from the ground, using a pair of binoculars. See something that's awry? Then, call your roofing inspector.
Solving problems
As problems arise through the inspection, it's important to quickly resolve them. That's the next most important step in maintaining an older roof. If you don't replace worn or damaged shingles, the under-roofing will stay exposed to the elements. Eventually, you'll find that the home's structure is warped due to exposure to moisture, and you'll have a much bigger, costlier problem on your hands.
Flashing is also critical to the health of the roof. If it's missing, moisture will get into the joints of the roof. Minor roofing maintenance doesn't cost a lot when compared to the expense of replacing major roof components or cleaning up mold, mildew and wood rot.
Do you need advice for maintaining an older roof? Contact Findlay Roofing today! We're happy to advise our neighbors on roof inspections, window replacements and roof installations.
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