The importance of roof maintenance

Arguably, the most important part of a home is the roof. A home’s roof separates the interior from drastically changing weather elements. A well-maintained roof doesn’t just protect the interior of the home. It protects the structure and everything that goes into making a house a home. The foundation, rafters, walls, support beams, floors, and insulation are only as good as the roof protecting it. So, what can homeowners do to maintain a roof and why is it so important?

Roof maintenance tips for homeowners

Think of a roof like a vehicle. Vehicles require regular maintenance for consistent operation and a roof is no different. Clearing debris such as leaves, pine needles, pinecones, and other objects from the roof and gutters will limit granular loss and extend the lifespan of the roof. Granular loss to shingled roofs is like slowly wearing tread on a vehicle’s tires. There’s not much that can be done to prevent it but keeping the roof clean and dry will slow the process. As the tread starts to wear on a tire, the performance of the tire will decline. Similarly, as granule loss progresses on shingled roofs, the roof’s ability to shed water, deflect wind or hail, and reflect harmful UV rays also deteriorates.

Homeowners must be aware of the current condition of their home’s roof. It only takes a few minutes to walk around the home and perform a self-inspection. Are the shingles intact? Are there any holes in the roof? Is there any other damage? Is there a tree growing near the home’s roof? Once the condition and surroundings are known, the homeowner can determine how to proceed.

If granules can be seen in the roof gutters, shingles are broken/cracked/lifting, hail damage is evident, or there are other visible issues with a home’s roof, it’s likely time to start researching roofing contractors. Many roofing contractors will offer a limited warranty upon performing a roof replacement. It’s extremely important to understand what the warranty covers and how a homeowners policy responds in the event of a loss to a home’s roof.

Getting from point A to point B safely is just as important as maintaining a roof. Keep your roof clean, pay attention to its condition, and understand that it’s not just protecting the structure, it’s protecting the home.

Article provided by Bo Bingen – West Bend Insurance – a Senior Personal Lines Underwriter.