It’s easy to forget about your roof, especially when you’re not having an immediate problem. Most roofs normally don’t need a ton of maintenance, keeping the roof and gutters clear of debris, along with yearly inspections by a roof professional, is enough to keep a roof in shape for many years.
Unfortunately, too many homeowners skip out on the yearly inspections, let their roofs and gutters get cluttered for weeks or months at a time, and generally neglect their roofs, until it inevitably fails or worse, causes other parts of your home to fail.
This is a huge mistake! Roofs and gutters cluttered with debris not only look bad, they prevent your roof from routing water correctly, eventually costing you thousands in repairs.
What kind of damage?
1) Cracks in the Foundation
If you’ve ever had to have your foundation repaired (or know someone who has), you know this is a very costly, invasive repair. Clogged gutters compound this problem by allowing water to pool around the foundation. Over time this weakens the foundation and the area around it risking the very structure of your home.
A properly functioning roof and gutter system routes water away from your home and foundation, saving yourself a major headache in the future.
2) Roof damage and leaks
You know the signs, discoloration of the ceiling or the appearance of a bulge as though it’s going to burst any time. Congested gutters can result in pooled water freezing up and standing for days or even weeks, Hampering the flow of liquid water, eventually leading to weakening shingles and wood, this causes leaks into the attic and home. Even without freezing water adding to the problem, small amounts of pooled water weaken your roof if left standing.
3) Rotting Wood
Any wood fascia that is on your home can start rotting due to clogged gutters and cluttered roofs. If left standing, even for a few hours, pooled or ponded water will begin breaking down and decomposing the wood in these areas. This causes serious problems and could mean replacing all the wood fascia on your home costing thousands of dollars.
All of these can be easily prevented by keeping up with your roof maintenance and having yearly inspections.
Don’t let procrastination or ignorance cost you money. Call your local roof contractor to help you make a plan to keep your roof healthy and strong for years to come!
In Metro Atlanta, call Atlanta Roofing Specialists at 770-419-2222 for your residential or commercial roofing needs!