5 Things New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Roof
5 Things New Homeowners Need to Know About Their Roof
Congratulations on your new home! You have probably already began decorating and making your home yours. Home ownership is an exciting venture, but don’t let the excitement cause you to overlook maintaining one of your home’s biggest protection – the roof. Here are some tips you can do immediately to make sure your home is protect for many years to come.
1. Get a Roof Inspection
Every home needs an inspection before it is sold, but most of the time a house inspector does not climb up on the roof. There could be underlying problems with the roof that can not be seen from the ground. It is best to hire a professional roofer so they can identify any problems and advise of repairs that need to be addressed.
2. Invest in Preventive Maintenance
Do not put maintenance off when it comes to your roof. If you suspect there is a problem, make sure to call an expert. Addressing minor issues ahead of time can potentially avoid large, expensive repairs.
3. Inspect your Gutters
Avoid surprises down the line, make sure your gutters are not damaged or clogged with debris. Gutters that over flow can cause damage to your roof and even your foundation. Make sure the gutters are flowing water away from your home or it can cause flooding in your basement. Make sure to repair broken gutters or consider adding gutter covers to keep gutters free flowing.
3. Be aware of Leak-Prone Areas
Skylights and flashing are prone to leaks. During a rain fall, monitor these areas for leaks. If you think your skylight has a leak, a roofing professional can handle the repairs to avoid further damage.
4. Check to See if your Attic is Properly Insulated
Making sure your home is efficiently insulated can save you on heating and cooling cost. One important spot to check is your attic. If you can see the tops of joists in your attic, you definitely don’t have enough. The recommended insulation for most attics is about R-38 or 10 to 14 inches deep, depending on the type of insulation you choose. A roofing professional can provide an infrared scan of your home to determine where you are losing heat and make the best recommendation for your home and budget.
5. Know the Signs of Roof Distress
A newer home may have cracks from the home still settling. Cracks in the ceilings or interior walls of an older home could be signs of a serious issue with your roof. Other signs to look for are sagging in the ceiling, doors or windows that are hard to open and doors that pop open on their own. Anytime you notice one or more of these warning signs make sure to contact a roofing expert to address these issues.
If you do have to have hire a professional make sure to get a guarantee of the work a contractor does for you. Always make sure to hire a licensed and insured professional to ensure they are a reputable contractor. If you do have to replace your roof, know not all roofing materials are created equal. A roof is a big investment, make sure you explore the many roofing options available.
Streamline Enterprises is located in Lansing, Michigan and have been providing the surrounded areas with quality exterior home improvement services since 1998. They are certified by leading manufactures and their products are backed by guarantees, not just pro-rated limited warranties. Contact Streamline Enterprises for additional information on their products and services.
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