Roof Maintenance Vs Roof Replacement
Replacing a roof is not cheap. This is no secret. When selling or buying a house, we cross our fingers tightly for a successful roof inspection. Want good results? We have the secret! It’s all about care. Think of your roof maintenance as you would think of your car. We take them in for tune-ups, feed them oil and gas when needed, and keep them clean. The same caring concepts can be applied to our roof. If you put a little bit of time into taking care of it now, you can have lasting results.
Now, let’s save some money!
Step 1: Inspect for Good Roof Maintenance
No one likes bad news. Yet, it is better to get it sooner than later in the form of water leaking through your roof. At least once a year do an inspection of your roof. If you are too timid to get up there, find a trusted source, like Avsten Construction, who is willing. You can also grab a pair of binoculars to inspect it from the ground. If you are venturing up there, be careful!
Look for the following when doing roof maintenance
- Problems with flashing such as rust or cracked caulk
- Decaying signs like moss or lichen
- Worn and cracked rubber boots around vent pipes
- Broken, buckling, curling, blistering, or missing shingles
- A damaged or missing chimney cap
- Grit piles in your gutters. (This could mean wear from old age of asphalt shingles)
These in-house items indicate roof maintenance is necessary:
- Water stains on pipes venting the furnace or water heater
- Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs
- Dark areas on ceilings
- Damp spots next to fireplaces
Step 2: Make Repairs for Good Roof Maintenance
Luckily, if your roof needs a little TLC, most minor repairs are cheap and easy!
- Replace shingles that need it right away. A bundle of them should not be much more than $20.
- Flashing: Buy butyl-rubber caulk. It should not be any more than $6. If you notice rust or deterioration, it might be time to replace the vent boots or flashing itself. This can cost anywhere between $10-$20.
- Buy a moss killer, which is anywhere from $15-$35. Make sure it is specifically used for roofs. Lawn moss killer contains iron, which can stain the roof. Apply the solution in the fall, and in the spring it should be dead and ready to remove. If you notice anymore in that time, apply more of the solution.
Roof Maintenance & Repair Professionals
If it goes beyond those issues, like a leak, you will have to call Avsten Construction, a Cincinnati Ohio roofing company. If the roof is 15 years or older, it might be due for a replacement. According to the “Remodeling Impact Report,” the national median cost for a new asphalt shingle roof is around $7,500.
The good news is that you should recover that investment when you sell the house. Considering replacing your roof? Contact Avsten today, where we use the highest quality materials and employ professional installers.
