It’s easy to take a roof for granted until something goes wrong and demands attention. A small roof leak can quickly turn into an urgent and costly repair. However, homeowners can avoid expensive emergency repairs with regular roof inspections and maintenance from a professional roofing contractor. The following are a few important things to know about roof maintenance in Bucks County.

Getting A Roof Inspection

Getting your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor is the first step in maintaining the strength and stability of your roof. Some people wait until they notice a problem, like a stain on the ceiling indicating a leak or missing shingles that they can see from the ground. But it’s a good idea to get the roof inspected even if no problems have occurred. A professional inspection can reveal potential problems in time to prevent them.

When you call Dennis & Sons for an inspection, we will carefully examine your roof from the inside and the outside. An inside inspection involves checking the attic insulation for signs of mold or excess moisture as well as identifying any areas of the roof that are not properly sealed. By examining the roof framing and vent pipes, we can detect signs of water entry, and we can also see cracks where light is coming through.

The exterior part of a roof inspection involves climbing up on the roof and making a thorough visual inspection of the roofing material, whether it’s metal roofing, tiles, or shingles. We look for damaged or missing shingles, moss growing on shingles or tiles, flashing that is pulling apart from the roof, rust on metal roofs, and clogged gutters. We also look for telltale signs that any part of the roof is in danger of breaking down or causing a future problem.

What Roof Maintenance Involves

We recommend an annual or semi-annual inspection, particularly after experiencing severe weather. Snow, ice, and hail can cause a lot of damage to a roof, and a hot, humid summer brings its own risks.

When we perform roof maintenance for our Bucks County customers, we not only check for signs of damage, but we also fix any problems that we see. The following are some examples of minor repairs that help to extend the life of your roof:

• A clean roof is a healthy roof, so if there is anything on the roof that shouldn’t be there, we remove it. These unwanted items can include fallen branches, leaves and dirt, and even wild animals, like snakes and bats.
• If moss or any kind of fungus is growing on a shingle or roof tile, we remove it before the organism can spread to the surrounding area and cause the roofing material to break down. We replace individual shingles or tiles as necessary.
• If any flashing is creating a gap, we repair or replace it. An important part of roof maintenance is making sure that every part of the roof is well sealed.
• If any metal is rusted, we clean and repair it. Rust is a form of corrosion that inevitably spreads and penetrates metal until the metal wears away. Rust can affect any type of metal roofing material, including chimneys and flashing.

In addition to making minor repairs, we also check for and evaluate storm damage. Hail can do a lot of damage to most types of roofing materials, and in many cases, homeowners insurance will pay for the repair.

Maintenance For Different Types of Roofing Materials

Our roof maintenance services in Bucks County will depend to some extent on the type of roof we’re working on. The following are some of the most common roofing materials and the types of maintenance they need.

• Shingles are made of asphalt or another composite material, and there are three main types: 3-tab, presidential, and architectural. 3-tab shingles are the most common and the least expensive. Individual shingles are easy to replace, but a 3-tab shingle roof will have a shorter lifespan than other types. Presidential and architectural shingles are more expensive and more durable, and they add a decorative element, mimicking the look of cedar or slate.
• Cedar shakes. Cedar shake roofing is made of natural wood, and it’s one of the most beautiful roofing materials. It makes a strong and durable roof, but it needs more maintenance than other materials. Wood is especially vulnerable to effects of moisture, so cedar roofs need regular inspections for moss and mold growth.
• Slate tiles. Slate is a high-end roofing material, and it’s one of the longest-lasting options available. It gives any home a touch of elegance. The disadvantage of slate, however, is its fragility compared with other roofing materials. When we inspect slate roofs, we look for cracked or broken tiles that need to be replaced.
• Metal roofing. A metal roof is a relatively low-cost and low-maintenance roof, but it is not immune to problems that can be expensive to repair. Metal roofs can get scratches that deepen over time, and they are also subject to corrosion. Metal roof maintenance involves keeping the roof clean and clear of debris and filling in minor scratches before they have a chance to grow.

Benefits of Roof Maintenance In Bucks County

There are several good reasons for getting professional roof maintenance. For one thing, a regular maintenance routine will strengthen the quality and extend the life of your roof. A well-maintained roof is also clean and attractive, which enhances the curb appeal of any home.

Another significant benefit is the money you can save by fixing small problems before they become major ones that require expensive repairs or possibly even a total roof replacement. Above all, professional roof maintenance will give you peace of mind knowing that your roof is in the best possible condition.

Dennis & Sons certified roofing contractors have years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing roofs in Bucks County. We help our customers make cost-effective decisions about roofing repairs, and we guarantee our work. Please contact us to learn more about our roof maintenance services.