Top Roof Restoration Tips Every Homeowner Should Know About to Avoid Wasting Time, Effort, and Money

While a typical shingle roof lasts for around 20 years, there comes a time when you need to decide to undertake extensive restoration or even a replacement. The decision depends on how much wear and tear the roof has sustained, however, if you have been maintaining it well, you can extend its life by restoring it. Some tips that will save you time, effort, and money:

Make Safety a Top Priority 

If the roof has been badly damaged, you must attend to it immediately. However, if the problem is relatively minor, you should undertake the restoration only when the weather is fine. Restoring a roof when it is windy or raining can be hazardous. Even cold weather may prevent the shingles from being sealed properly and make them susceptible to damage. Be careful if there are power lines near the work area and ensure that children and pets cannot intrude when the repairs are going on. Make it a point to use appropriate safety gear to prevent falls.

Find the Leaks

Remember, if the roof is old and showing signs of wear and tear, any repairs you undertake will only be temporary because there is every chance that other leaks may spring up soon. Whether your roof can be repaired or you need a new roof is a question that is best determined by a professional roofing company like Benchmark Roofing & Restoration. Regardless of whether you are restoring or replacing, make sure that you plan and prepare well.

Replace Loose or Broken Shingles

If you discover that some shingles have become loose or broken off during your roof inspection, you can replace them easily with synthetic slate shingles. Make sure that you install new underlying layers before you replace the shingles for the best results. However, if you discover that the ridge capping has undergone storm damage; you should call in specialist roof restorers.

Inspect the Roof Vents

Vents are essential for stabilizing the temperature between the roof and the attic. If the vents are broken, more ice and snow can build up on your roof because the warm air from the attic does not reach the roof. Even though you may be able to solve the problem temporarily by caulking, the best solution is to replace the broken vents.

Remove Obstructions in the Gutters

Most of the leaks in the roof are caused by gutters that have become clogged with debris. According to Huffington Post, debris in the gutters can prevent the water from flowing freely. The rainwater that is unable to drain tends to accumulate on the roof and gradually rot the understructure of the roof. While the damage blocks the ventilation, the acceleration in the rate of decay can cause the roof to sag if the problem is not attended to in time.

Conclusion 

A roof performs the essential function of protecting the house from the elements, and a damaged roof can compromise the structural integrity of your house and the health and safety of the inhabitants. Regular roof maintenance along with restoration and repair on a need basis by professionals is the best way of extending the life of the roof.