There Are Benefits To Timely Roof Repairs
Check out our Science of Roof Tarping video series on YouTube
Sometimes we take for granted things that protect us and keep us safe. Moms can attest to this. But, just like the heart of our families, we don’t give enough attention to our roof. It is our home’s primary barrier to the elements and one of homeowner’s largest investments.
As with everything else in the desert, our roofs take a constant beating from the sun, wind, and sudden downpours. They are very often neglected. It is critical to maintain them to ensure that small items don’t become big and expensive issues.
“We just had the opportunity to help a lady repair her house,” says Tyler Johnson, Johnson Roofing, a Rosie on the House Certified Partner. “The problem was all due to a flashing that was installed incorrectly when the house was built.”
Over the years, the improperly installed flashing allowed the water to get under the tile in amounts that caused the underlayment to deteriorate at a much faster pace, thus shortening the expected lifespan of the roof.
“Once the water is under the tile, it has to go somewhere, and it always goes down,” says Tyler. “Most of the time that is good because it goes to the end of the roof and falls off, and everyone is happy.”
However, he cautions that if it is under the tile and it goes down the underlayment, at some point, the underlayment can’t handle it and damages the inside. Fortunately, in this case, it was caught early and caused very little damage on the inside of the house. “Having one piece of flashing not properly bent caused over $1,000 worth of roof damage,” says Tyler. “And even though it was caught early, there is still damage on the inside of the house.”
Don’t Ignore Your Roof
The key to a properly functioning roof is to not ignore it. As with your car, regular maintenance is key to making sure that it lasts at least as long as it was designed to. A well-maintained roof will often outlast its expected longevity by many years.
There are two key aspects to maintaining the health of a roof:
- Regular Maintenance | This should be done by a professional roofer licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors on a regularly scheduled interval as determined by you and your contractor of choice. Most reputable roofers should have a maintenance program that they offer that will include removing debris from the roof, replacing damaged items, and inspecting and maintaining flashing. Another important fact to remember is that while the tile or shingles may have a 20-year or more life expectancy, there are components that may not, such as sealants around penetrations. These must be redone periodically to prevent leaks.
Watch Your Roof | Keep an eye on what your roof might be telling you. You may have had your roof maintained just to see a tree branch fall and break some roof tile the next week. This should be taken care of as soon as possible. Some of the most common evidence that you need someone out as soon as possible are:
- Curling shingles and curling ridge caps.
- Broken or missing roof tiles.
- Missing shingles or shingles that are blown up.
- Leaks inside the home.
- Water draining off the house for hours or days after the rain stops.
Leak Emergency
It’s no secret that the availability of materials and labor has been challenging. Your roof repair is an emergency. However, you may have to wait for help.
Tyler suggests keeping in mind that countless of homeowners may be calling a professional right after a major weather event. Because of Hurricane Ian, the roofers in Florida are scheduling appointments three months from now. It is always good to have the phone number of YOUR roofer when a major storm causes your house to require immediate attention.
So, what happens if you find a leak or a hole in the roof and a professional roofing contractor can’t get to you for a few weeks? First, don’t let desperation force you into making a poor decision. DO NOT hire a “jack-of-all-trades” who says, “I can fix it” (a la Jeff Spicoli). Just get on the contractor’s schedule and be patient. If rain is in the forecast, cover the area(s) with a sturdy tarp.
Check out our Science of Roof Tarping video series on YouTube for assistance tarping a variety of roof types.
Tarping a roof is not for the faint of heart, nor is it a one-person job. Safety ALWAYS comes first.
Tarping could be a DIY job only if you are skilled at climbing a ladder and working on a roof. Otherwise, a handyman can cover problem areas with tarps. Be sure the handyman carries their own liability insurance policy. Accidents can happen even to a professional.
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PODCAST
The secret to a long lasting roof is maintenance. It’s the primary barrier to the elements and one of the homeowner’s largest investments. Tyler Johnson of Johnson Roofing explains in detail the importance of maintenance to ensure that small items don’t become big and expensive issues. With a focus on flat roofs, Tyler answers other homeowner’s roofing questions.
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CONTENT PARTNER | JOHNSON ROOFING
Since 2004 Johnson Roofing has been offering the highest quality roofing services in the valley of the sun. You can feel confident that you are getting not only the most professional service available but the best pricing for your particular needs. Johnson Roofing specializes in roofing repairs, replacements, and new roof installations. Doesn’t matter if it is residential, commercial, or industrial, Johnson Roofing can assist you with any home roofing need.
PHOTO CREDIT
- Shutterstock
