You probably don't give your roof much thought. However, the roof plays an important role in your home, and if something goes wrong, it can lead to severe damage inside the house. If you would like to know more, check out these four roofing services to consider.
1. Roof Cleaning
Debris often gathers on your roof, especially if there are overhanging branches from trees. Ideally, you want to remove this debris to reduce the risk of damage from excess weight, scratching, and water absorption. If you have tree branches hanging over the roof, you may want to consider having the tree trimmed or removed.
If you live in an area with lots of rainfall, you may also have moss or mildew on the roof. Both affect the curb appeal of your home, and moss can absorb water, increasing the risk of water damage. A professional cleaner can remove debris, moss, and mildew without damaging the shingles.
2. Repairs
Your roof may need a variety of small repairs to keep it in good condition, especially if you've skipped maintenance. Common roof repairs include:
- Replacing missing/damaged shingles
- Replacing damaged/rusted/missing flashing
- Repairing small leaks
These repairs will extend the life of your roof, so you don't need to replace it as often. Plus, fixing small damage now prevents the risk of advanced problems like rot on the roof's decking.
3. Gutter Cleaning and Repair
Gutters are also part of the roofing system. They take water away from the roof and home to prevent damage and erosion. Gutters need regular cleaning, which you can usually do yourself. However, damaged gutters and missing gutters should be replaced to prevent leaks.
Leaks from a damaged or overflowing gutter system increase the risk of:
- Decay along the edge of the roof
- Decay on the eaves
- Decay/mildew/moss on the siding
- Erosion around the home's foundation
4. Total Roof Replacement
If the roof is particularly old or worn, it may be time to consider roof replacement. With total replacement, the roofer rips off the old shingles, fixes any underlying issues, and replaces the shingles with new ones.
If your roof is not too old or damaged, but there are lots of damaged shingles, an overlay may be the better choice. During this process, the old shingles are not removed, which saves time and money and produces less waste. On the downside, the roofer can't fix major underlying issues.
If you've been neglecting your roof, it's time to act. There are many things you should do to maintain your roof, but a roofing contractor can also help in many ways. If you would like to know more, contact a contractor in your area today.