A well-built Atlanta roof can last well over 15 years, but only if you take care of it. If you ignore your roof, you can lose years of service. But if you invest a little time each year, you can extend the life of your roof for several years.
So, what exactly can you do?
The roof inspection and maintenance tips listed below are extremely effective ways you can make your roof last longer. Following these steps can also reduce the risk of water damage to your home, prevent the need for serious repairs and avoid premature roof replacement costs.
Longer Life for Atlanta Roofs - Inspection Matters
The most important thing you can do to extend the life of your Atlanta roof is to inspect it for problems. A quick list of the most important things to look for is presented below.
These inspections should be done at least twice a year, ideally in the spring or fall when any needed repairs can be performed more easily. If repairs are required, it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor that has the proper licenses, liability and workers' compensation insurances, and ideally, a roofer who will warranty their materials and work.
Damaged or Loose Flashing - Flashing is the sheet metal you see around ducts, pipes, chimneys and other objects that penetrate your roof. If flashing is damaged or broken free, there is a good chance that water will find its way under the roof and damage both the roof and other parts of your home.
Missing Shingles - This seems obvious, but if you have areas of your roof that are not readily visible, you should make an extra effort to look for missing shingles. Shingles can be torn off by severe winds, or they can be more easily blown away if they were installed improperly. In either case, if you have missing shingles, they should be replaced immediately, and you should inspect your attic and roof for signs of water damage.
Bad Shingles - Shingles that are curled, blistered or pitted (black asphalt spots showing where mineral granules have been lost) are bad news. All of these conditions suggest the shingles have absorbed water.
- In most cases, the shingles have reached the end of their useful life and need to be replaced. If you think they are too young to be replaced, then it is possible the shingles were made with poor quality.
- In some cases, adding more roof or attic ventilation may solve the problem.
- Another possible cause for curled shingles is faulty installation. It is possible that the nails were not driven down completely or there were not enough nails used.
Dirty Gutters - Gutters that are packed with leaves or other debris can shorten the life of your roof and seriously damage your home. A full or clogged gutter can result in standing water that can be absorbed by your roof, causing damage to the roof deck and eventually other parts of your home. On a side note, water that spills over the edges of clogged or partially blocked gutters can run down the sides of your home. This increases the chances of water finding its way into your home, both as it runs down the siding/walls and as it pools around your home's foundation.
Inspecting Atlanta Roofs - Safety First
Extending the life or your Atlanta roof is important, but your safety is more important. Keep in mind these important safety tips when you inspect your roof.
- Stay off the roof as much as possible. Consider using binoculars instead of walking around your roof.
- If you use a ladder, use extreme caution.
- Make sure it is placed on a firm and level surface.
- Extend the ladder at least 3 feet above the roof.
- Prop the ladder at a safe angle, at least 1 foot away from the house for every 4 feet in height.
