Given the busy storm season anticipated this year, compounded with increasing costs and demands from home insurance providers, keeping your roof in good shape is essential to protecting your home, property, and family.
Checking your roof’s condition at least twice per year, and preferably after a significant weather event (i.e. hurricane), will help you keep on top of any simple maintenance and repairs that can prevent costly damage to your home later. Look for key items below during your inspection:
1. Check for debris on your roof (leaves, branches, moss) as this can accumulate on the roof and prevent proper drainage, eventually leading to leaks.
2. Blistered, curled, or split shingles need to be secured or replaced, along with any loose or missing shingles. Also look for dark patches on the roof that may indicate the protective granular coating has worn away from those shingles.
3. Check for exposed or popped up nails. The expansion and contraction of your roof during the heat of the day can naturally cause nails to back their way out of place, causing leaks. These nails need to be hammered back in place and sealed to prevent future leaks.
4. Inspect the metal flashing around plumbing vents on your roof, as this is in place to protect your roof where the pipe penetrates the roof surface. Bent or missing flashing can lead to leaks and needs to be sealed or replaced as soon as possible.
5. Always use caution when using a ladder on your property! Be sure to follow the safety instructions on the ladder and ensure the legs are secured on a level surface before stepping on.
6. A wind mitigation inspection, conducted by a certified inspector, will also provide an evaluation of your roof’s condition to give you peace of mind.
Click here for more tips to keep your roof happy and healthy.
Need additional help?
If you have concerns about your roof or your home insurance premium, our Habitat Inspects program is also here to help. Program participants may be able to reduce their home insurance costs, and uncover home maintenance issues and critical home preservation obstacles.
If your application is approved, you will be eligible to receive a free voucher for a wind mitigation inspection ($150 value) and/or a 4-point inspection ($100 value) based on property status and need. Click here to learn more.
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