The roof is your home’s most important line of defense against the elements. A well-constructed and maintained roof will shield you from the hot sun, nasty storms, and the highly damaging Florida humidity for 25 years or more.
However, the longevity of your roof is highly dependent on how well you maintain it. Florida’s intense weather is harder on roofs than almost anywhere else in the country, which means regular repairs will be necessary to save you from a far more costly roof replacement down the road.
Whether you’re already dealing with a major leak or just want to ensure your roof is in tip-top shape for an upcoming storm, having the right maintenance strategy in place can make all the difference. Here are our top tips for keeping your roof in excellent condition and protecting your investment:
Tip 1: Regular Inspections Are Absolutely Necessary
Just like you should never judge a book by its cover, you should never assume that just because you can’t see any damage that it doesn’t exist. Many types of damage can be nearly invisible to the ground-level viewer, so regular close inspections will be necessary to verify the roof’s integrity.
Roofs are composed of multiple layers of protective material, which means even minor damage will need closer inspection to determine if any of the lower layers have been compromised. Roofs are also often dotted with vents, piping, and other connectors to the home’s interior, all of which have weather seals that must be checked and reapplied if necessary.
Tip 2: Clean Gutters Are Essential For Roof Longevity
Florida’s weather is famously fickle, with sunny days quickly turning into stormy afternoons. We are the sixth most rainy state in the nation, and all of that water has to go somewhere.
The primary purpose of your home’s roof is to direct water away from the interior and towards a drainage system that can accommodate it. Gutters are an essential component of this process, and any gunking up of the works can cause significant damage to your home.
Gutter and downspout blockages can cause a buildup of water on your roof. This buildup can percolate through the protective underlayers and eventually end up in your home’s interior. Once the interior is wet, mold and mildew are never far away.
It’s highly recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year and after every major storm. Blockages can usually be removed by hand or a specialized tool for longer downspouts.
Tip 3: Leaks Of Any Size Can Spell Disaster
Even with regular inspections and a well-maintained drainage system, Florida’s harsh weather will make even the most solid roof spring the occasional leak. While they are nothing to panic about, it’s important to address leaks of any size as quickly as possible.
Once moisture begins entering your home, it’s only a matter of time before mold and mildew will begin colonizing the interior. These will cause an unpleasant odor to fill your home and can cause serious health problems depending on the type of mold.
Leaks can also cause significant structural damage over time. A consistent level of moisture will cause the wood that holds up your home to rot, potentially causing extremely costly damage to your home.
If you find signs of a leak, it is essential to determine its source and find a way to seal it. If the damage causing the leak is severe enough, you will likely need to contact a professional.
Tip 4: When In Doubt, Contact A Professional
While anyone can perform basic repairs and maintenance on their roof, it can be a difficult and arduous task that they would prefer to leave to the professionals. Professional roofing companies like A&E Brothers Roofing can provide you with quick and painless repair services that you can be sure are done right.
A&E Brothers Roofing provides free inspections to ensure the health and safety of your roof. Their roof repair services will patch any damage to seal up leaks, replace missing or damaged shingles, and weatherproof any piping or ducts to ensure that your home is watertight and damage-free.
A&E Brothers Roofing is the company to call if you need a high-quality roof installation or replacement. With over 50 years of industry experience, our professionals can help you with roofing, material selection, and installation. Get in touch with us to learn more about our roofing services and receive a free quote.