The roof to your home is one of the most important aspects of the entire structure – it protects the entire property from the effects of the environment – wind, rain, snow, heat – and can also be used to provide excellent lighting into your living space. It is vital that your roof maintains its structural integrity and that it is kept in optimal condition throughout its life and you should never let the roof fall into such a state of disrepair that it is unable to perform its function.

You should inspect the roof on a regular basis, and certainly once or twice a year you should be engaging in preventative and maintenance issues. The roof should be kept clear of branches and leaf debris and examined for signs of wear and tear. You should be looking for loose shingles or tiles, missing nails and fastenings and the flashings which seal the roof should be checked for integrity. You also check for worn shingles and for signs of mildew and mold which shows that moisture is being retained instead of being removed from the roof effectively.

If any issues are uncovered during these routine examinations then action should be taken immediately to rectify the situation. Dealing with these issues before they begin to manifest themselves in incidents such as leaks, will ensure that your home is protected and your family can safely enjoy the home – you will also be able to deal with repair issues far more cheaply than leaving the problems until they become much bigger issues.

No matter how much time and effort you put into maintaining your roof, there will come a time when it needs to be replaced. Time and the effect of the environment will lead to a gradual and inevitable deterioration in the roof and its integrity- you will have no option but to replace the roof.

You can replace a roof yourself, however this is not recommended unless you really know what you are doing. It is usually far easier and safer to hire a roofing professional to perform the work for you. Hiring the professionals will ensure you get a quality finish which is likely to last for longer than an amateur effort. A professional team will also get the job done in a far quicker period of time which will minimize the inconvenience for your family and the risk to your home from the elements.

Make sure you obtain several quotes from a number of reputable suppliers. You should not be surprised to find that most of the quotes will be within the same price range. Ensure that you are comparing quotes on a like-for-like basis – some suppliers may be cutting corners on the quality of the materials which are being used. Poor quality materials may result in enhanced maintenance costs for you or a shorter roof life which means you will need to replace it sooner than you otherwise need to. Always obtain references from your roofers and go and see a roof they have worked on and speak to the homeowner if possible to see what they have to say.

Author Bio: Keith Smallwood is the president of Creative Energy Exteriors, a leading provider of Richmond home improvement services and products such as Richmond roofing and Richmond windows. Creative Energy Exteriors can be found online at: CreativeEnergyExteriors.com .

Category: Home Management
Keywords: roof, replacing the roof, roof replacement, repair roof, roofers