Usually people don’t maintain and examine their roofs regularly. They ignore them during spring and summer. It is only before the onset of winter months do they bother to check for leakages or signs of decay. You must undertake regular inspection of your roof as you do with the rest of you house. Roofing systems are susceptible to damage from rains and frost. Periodic checking and repair of the minor problem area in time will prevent a major mishap. Decay of the roof causes damage to interiors and walls hence it is very important to take timely care of your roof.

It is advised by experts to inspect your roof at least twice a year. You must check it more often before rains and the winter season. The blizzards and harsh winds make your roof more prone to weathering. High winds, incessant rains and ice build up cause decay of the shingles which damage the entire roof structure. The seepage through the roof eventually spreads to walls and there is a chance of molds and mildew growth.

The metal flashings in the roof should be checked for signs of damage. These flashings protect gaps in the roof plane such as around chimneys, vent pipes and power lines. Any damage to them will severely affect the interiors of the house. If you have had asphalt roofing in the house for 10 or more years then check for signs of brittleness. Asphalt shingles need to be replaced if they break easily or start curling up. Wooden shingles are prone to dry decay. Wooden shakes are split by hand on one side and may have a straight or tapered end. Shingles are split with a saw and have a tapered end. If an examination shows any change in the structure then you will have to call reinforcements immediately.

Metal roofs like galvanized iron, steel, aluminum, copper or lead have an average life span of 50 years if they are looked after properly. They need to be painted periodically. Every type of roof shows different signs of wear. Pitting, rusting and corrosion are the usual signs of metal wear and tear. They might open at seams and joints which requires welding and re seaming.

Shingles made up of slate, tile, asbestos or cement are the most expensive but they have the maximum longevity if maintained properly. They are more susceptible to decay from ice. Shingles from above mentioned materials break easily so you must look for signs of chipping and breakage. For all kinds of damage inspection and roof repairs it is better to call the experts. You can look for their numbers in the local yellow pages or check on the internet. Hire licensed roofing contractors available in San Diego and elsewhere.

Usually, the reputed and established roofing companies like Premier roofing in San Diego have an insurance cover for liability and technician compensation. You can also check the ratings of the roofing companies and any grievances against them through Better Business Bureau. Also check if your contractor offers you a warranty on his work. Make sure that he uses only the standardized roofing material and not counterfeit or bogus ones. Ask for the manufacturer’s warranty as well.

A roofing contractor is expected to do the job thoroughly. He is supposed to look into all area related to roofing systems like chimneys, air conditioning, ventilators and walls. Ask for an estimate as soon he is done inspecting. The estimate will contain particulars like the work which has been contracted, extra work done like deck or gutter repair, installation of moisture protection membrane, removal of debris after completion of work. There is an option of removing the old roof completely and laying of a new one on the old roof. Discuss both options with your contractor and decide what would work the best in your case. Also clarify with him the number of shingles to be used per area.

Author Bio: Article by David Walker of SanDiegoRoofingExpert.com, a website with the best San Diego roofer and San Diego roof repair information on the web.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: San Diego roofing contractor, premier roofing San Diego