Part of being a property owner means keeping up with maintenance and repairs to the roof when it’s needed. While a roof should last for a long time, eventually it may require new shingles in some areas or even a total replacement. Protecting this valuable investment should include roofing in Ann Arbor, MI inspections to ensure that the covering overhead is secure and watertight.
About a Roof
A roof is an overhead covering that protects against the outside elements. It can be constructed from a number of materials, including asphalt, slate, wood, tile, concrete, clay, cement and metal. With proper care a wood shake roof can last up to 30 years, asphalt and composition roofs can provide protection for 20 years, and fiber cement shingles can do the job for 25 years depending on weather conditions and the climate that the roof is subjected to.
Environmental Factors
The forces of nature may negatively affect the lifespan of a roof. Hail, wind, rain, snow, ice and temperature fluctuations can all wear down shingles and damage the flashing that keeps moisture out. It’s important to have a roof inspected after any large storm, and if repairs need to be made, they should be completed before water makes its way below the shingles and into the substructure below.
Unseen Damage
When a roof isn’t maintained, moisture and pests can cause unseen destruction below the surface. Water that seeps under broken or missing shingles can compromise the integrity of the building’s support beams and accelerate the growth of mold and bacteria in the walls and ceiling. Small openings can also allow pests to venture inside where they can build nests and chew on plumbing lines and wiring.
Inspections
An inspection done by a professional roofing contractor, such as New Roof Inc., can uncover problems that should be addressed. During the inspection, the roof will be checked for broken, missing, warped or loose shingles, as well as seeing to it that the flashing and vent fans are securely in place. Roofing in Ann Arbor, MI should be inspected after any intense storms, or atleast one a year, to ensure that the roof is strong and secure.
Staying on top of roofing repairs and maintenance will help to maximize the lifespan of a roof. Don’t let the forces of nature ruin a roof by thinking that it can fend for itself.
