What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Their Roof
From appliances to plumbing, homeowners have a lot to maintain. Most homeowners only think about their roofs when it’s too late. This often happens when a roof presents a problem like a leak or if the homeowner notices missing shingles or tiles after a storm. As a homeowner, it’s important to be proactive and prepared. Here are three things that every homeowner should know about their roof.
- The age and lifespan of the roofing material: Roofs don’t last forever. Therefore, every homeowner should be aware of the age of their roof. Each type of roofing material has its own expected average lifespan. Depending on climate and weather patterns, certain roofing materials can have shorter or longer lifespans. For example, asphalt roofs are expected to last an average of 20 years. However, in Colorado, asphalt shingle roofs generally last only 7-10 years due to the frequent hail and windstorms that occur around the state. Other materials, like concrete or clay tile can last 50-100 years. As a homeowner, it’s helpful to have an idea of how long your roof should last so you can be prepared for any upcoming repairs or roof replacements you may need to protect your home.
- Roofs are not DIY projects: When it comes to roofing, it’s better to leave it to the professionals. Roofing projects can be dangerous for the untrained DIYer. In addition to running the risk of falling, DIYers risk causing further damage to their homes. Roofing systems are complex, and each component of a roof carefully serves a function to protect your home from the elements. Well-meaning homeowners looking to save money on professional repairs can unintentionally cause additional damage, leading to roof leaks and other problems. Additionally, most homeowners are unaware of city code requirements that roofing professionals are familiar with. Choosing the right materials for the job and accurately identifying problem areas are also things better left to the professionals. Click here to learn more about why you shouldn’t DIY your roof repair.
- Roofs should be inspected regularly: Many homeowners request roof inspections only if there is an issue like a leak or missing shingle or if they suspect damage after a storm. Regular roof inspections are an important part of preventative home maintenance. Shingle damage, damaged metal flashings and eroding pipe flashings are several things that a roofing professional will look for. Identifying and repairing these issues early can help you save on more costly repairs later on.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. You can effectively maintain your roof by keeping these three things in mind. If you have any questions or would like to request an estimate, please call our office at (719) 487-7663 or contact us online.
