Lake Orion Roofing - The Roofing Facts & FAQ - How to Minimize Roofing Repair Costs

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National Roofing Contractors Association

Lake Orion Roofing Inc.
(248) 393-0055
(248) 393-2913 (fax)

Sales and Service:
sales@lakeorionroofing.com

General Information:
info@lakeorionroofing.com

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web@lakeorionroofing.com

Minimizing the Cost of Roof Repairs

The best way to minimize roof repair bills is to PREVENT damage before it occurs. This means periodically inspecting the roof. Inspections should be made at least twice a year -- in early spring to assess any damage from winter weather and in early fall to detect any damage or deterioration which has occurred during the summer. Additional inspections should be made in the aftermath of unusual weather or events, such as high winds, hail, snow and ice or severe temperature conditions.

Steep roofs can be inspected from the ground or on a ladder. Look for danger signs like missing, curled or cracked shingles, debris on the roof, clogged gutters and drains and severe weathering. If you are unable to safely make an inspection yourself, have a professional roofing contractor do it for you. The cost is reasonable, and it could prevent later repairs. Inside, check for evidence of possible leaks such as damp areas and stains on ceilings, peeling wallpaper and discolored wallboard.

Because they are generally more accessible, building and home owners can conduct more detailed inspections of low slope ("flat") roofs. The following items should be on your preventive maintenance check list:

Clear drains of debris and make certain they are properly screened to prevent cloggin.
Inspect the roof membrane for curled seams, cracks, splits, blisters and similar defects. On mineral cap-sheet roofs, look for excessive granule loss. On smooth-surface roofs, inspect the general condition of the surface, looking for excessive drying, cracking and, where applicable, deterioration of the coating.
Check parapet walls for cracks and open joints, and inspect the condition of metal counterflashings.
Base flashings (i.e., where roofing is turned up at intersections of the roof deck and vertical surfaces) should be checked for sagging, cracks and splits.
Inspect metal flashings around vents, skylights, equipment and other roof penetrations for rust and cracks.
Look for signs of gravel stop and roof edging movement (especially at the joints) which can crack the roof membrane.
Check to see if pitch pockets need to be topped off or refilled.

No roof should be expected to achieve its full life expectancy without regular preventive maintenance. The investment of a few hours each year to inspect the roof of your home or building and see that minor problems are identified and repaired before they can become major problems is well worth the time and trouble. And the expense pales in comparison to the cost of having to replace your roof prematurely.