We talked about what roof care is and what it usually involves in Part One. Now, let’s discuss why the effort is worth it.
Although it is a fairly straightforward process, roof care delivers many benefits to homeowners – foremost of which is the prevention of possible issues. When done properly, roof care prevents:
Damage to the Roof
Many roofing issues start out small, and only grow bigger when left untreated. Moss, for instance, does not just look dirty; it can take root in the shingles, which can lead to decreased functionality. Improperly fastened flashing, too, can promote leaks which, in turn, can promote structural failure.
Premature Replacement
Preventing damage to the roof goes hand in hand with managing potentially expensive repair costs. A paper by Massachusetts’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance cites the industry-wide belief that for every dollar spent on preventive maintenance, a property owner can save five dollars on reduced emergency repairs and interior damage, as well as extended roof life. And rightly so – as a functional roof is a roof that does not have to be repaired frequently or replaced prematurely.
Loss of Aesthetic Appeal
If you let your roof issues sit, you do not only run the risk of your home suffering from physical damage. There will also be unpleasant cosmetic changes, and they can greatly curb your home’s aesthetic appeal. This is especially bad news for homeowners interested in putting their property on the market. Buyers will simply not want to live under a roof that does not please them.
Insurance Problems
Some insurance carriers have also been known to cancel policies for roofs that they find too dirty. An unclean roof, to them, carries a lot of risks that they do not want to cover. It is important to understand the terms of your policy that concern your roof – and to adhere to those terms.
Reduced Protection
Finally, a well-cared for roof is a roof that performs well. In times of weather extremes, for instance, a roof is often our home’s best form of exterior protection. If you don’t take the time to have it cleaned and inspected, problems ranging from moisture penetration to ice dam formation can occur.
What else do you get out of it? In the last installment of our series, we give you additional incentives that validate why roof care is not just an advantage, but a necessity.