Be Prepared For a Roof Repair
Condo owners know that their monthly association fees will cover exterior building maintenance including roofs. But if you are the owner of a single-family dwelling, the buck stops with you, whether you have a rainy-day fund or not. A Marin roofing contractor can provide you with tips on what to do if the coming rains surprise you with a leaky roof.
Better still, you can learn how to avoid the hardship of unexpected roof repairs. Maintenance is the key. A rainy day savings account would be a great idea, too. Those two concepts combined can help to keep your roof secure for the life of your current roofing materials.
Whether you just replaced your old roof, moved into a new home, or lived there for years, you’ll want to make a note of how long your current roofing materials are expected to last. Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty. In reality, roofing materials are generally graded to last between 20 and 30 years. However, location and weather can shorten the life of your roof. So can neglect.
How to budget for a roof repair
First, you’ll need to find out when your roof was replaced last.
Then, based on the materials used, factor in how long the roof is expected to last. If the roof is new, you can project the number of years left based on roofing materials chosen (i.e., shingles lasting 25 years), multiplied by the number of months (e.g. 25 years = 300 months). The actual price of a new roof is only a guestimate, based on the current cost of a roof but it will give you a ballpark figure. Say it is $10,000. Divide the overall projected cost, by the number of months you have to put aside funds ($10,000 divided by 300 months = $33.33 each month) and you’ll come up with your monthly savings target.
How weather affects your roof
In Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties, microclimates exist that differ greatly from area to area. Coastal areas will subject your home to greater wind, fog and damp, than say the sunnier inlands area, but you can be inland and surrounded by a redwood grove that produces damp conditions.
Exposure to sun, wind, fog and vegetation all impact the life of your roof. While you can’t change the weather, you can create a roof maintenance schedule.
Prevention is best
Once a year, you should inspect your roof for damage and wear. Short of walking your roof, you can instead use a pair of binoculars looking for damaged, bare or missing shingles/tiles. If your roof has a steep slope or hard to access peaks, you’ll want to call in a professional. A roofing contractor is familiar with what to look for and can provide an assessment, without risking his or her life.
Flat roofs have their own problems and some become damaged if they are walked on too often. Keep that in mind when inspecting them for wear and tear.
Clearing gutters
The rains arrived late this year, so there is still time to make sure that your gutters are clear. Along with that, you will want to see that any debris on the roof itself is removed first. Leaves, pine needles, fallen birds nests and tree branches can cause water to pool. Mold, mildew and rot can develop underneath. Getting vegetation off the roof is a great preventative measure.
Check the flashing
Shingles and tiles aren’t the only thing to worry about. Be sure to check the sealant around your chimney and any vents. Look for damaged flashing as well. Sometimes a simple reapplication of sealant that may have dried out from sun exposure can keep you from springing a leak.
We’re your Marin roofing company for over 100 years
Remember, your home is your biggest investment and worth an ounce of prevention. If you decide to leave the work to the professionals, Booth and Little employ experienced staff who are happy to assist with you with your maintenance tasks. Contact us today for all your roofing needs.
