sImproper roof maintenance can do more harm than good, which is why homeowners should have an idea of the most common—and costly—roofing maintenance myths. The roofing contractors at BFARR list the most widespread and damaging myths below:
1. As Long as There Are No Leaks, Your Roof Should Be Fine
Just because you can’t find any signs of damage yet doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is in perfect condition. For one thing, it takes some time for the warning signs to appear. For instance, water stains only appear when a certain amount of water has already accumulated on parts of your roof. By the time signs of moisture damage appear, it’s already too late to mitigate damage.
Preventive and Reactive Roof Maintenance
This myth is rooted in the mistaken assumption that reactive roof maintenance is all that’s needed. As the names suggest, reactive maintenance involves inspecting and fixing the roof only when leaks appear, such as roof repair storm damage. Keep in mind, however, that reactive and preventive roof maintenance always go hand in hand. As the name suggests, preventive roof maintenance aims to prevent leaks from happening in the first place.
2. Roofs Under Warranty Don’t Require Any Maintenance at All
Your roof warranty should cover everything, so there’s no need to maintain your roof, right? Well, not exactly. Standard roofing warranties only cover manufacturer defects and installation errors, but not roof damage stemming from lack of maintenance or negligence on the homeowner’s part. Failure to properly maintain your roof may even void your roofing warranty.
GAF’s Exclusive Warranties
If you want to maximize your warranty protection, here’s a tip: GAF®, one of the most trusted names in the roofing industry, offers exclusive extended warranties to roofing systems installed by Master Elite™ contractors. Golden Pledge® Ltd Warranty is GAF’s most robust warranty option. To learn more about your warranty options, consult one of your local GAF-certified roofing contractors.
3. Modern Roofing Systems Don’t Need Maintenance
What about modern roofing systems? Compared to older models, modern roofing systems have fewer maintenance needs, but low-maintenance doesn’t mean “no” maintenance.
How Often Do You Need to Have Your Roof Maintained?
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends having your roof inspected at least twice a year, ideally before summer and winter. You also need to have your roof inspected after an extreme weather event. Remember: No matter how durable your roof is, it’s bound to suffer some form damage and will require roof repair storm damage after an extreme weather event.
4. Gutter Cleaning Isn’t a Part of Roofing Maintenance
Don’t forget about your gutters. The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, but it can’t perform its function if the gutters are clogged. Your gutters divert rainwater away from your roof, making sure it doesn’t spill onto your exterior or seep into your home’s foundation. Without regular cleaning, leaves, twigs, and other debris may prevent water from flowing to the drains.
Issues Stemming from Clogged Gutters
What’s the worst that can happen if you occasionally forget to clean your gutters? Several roofing issues can stem from clogged gutters. These include:
- Wood rot – Overflowing water from your gutters can spill onto the wooden parts of your roof, causing wood rot.
- Pest infestations – Stagnant water and decaying debris in your gutters can attract several pests, which can make their way to the other parts of your roof.
The Importance of Hiring Qualified Contractors
One more thing: when researching “repair my roof” make sure only professional contractors do so. Here’s a vetting tip: A contractor’s certifications can give you a good idea of their level of expertise. One of the most widely recognized certifications is the Master Elite certification—only the top 3% of all roofing contractors qualify for this certification.
Looking for Master Elite contractors in your area?
Searching for a certified contractor to “repair my roof“? BFARR Contracting, a Master Elite contractor, offers a wide range of professional roofing services. To get a free estimate, call us at (321) 444-6446 or leave us a message here.