Homeowner’s Guide
We all have a love and hate relationship with weather. Weather plays a crucial role in the condition of your roof. Roof issues may begin due to the age of your roof, or as a result of mother nature. As a result, we ask homeowners to inspect their roof yearly. This simple inspection can prevent larger issues down the line. If you are unable to inspect your roof yourself, we can do so. You should be aware that most roofing companies offer a free roof inspection at no cost to you. If you need a roof inspection our team at Ridgeline Roofing would be delighted to provide you with an inspection, and quote based on your findings.
What Sort of Damage Should I Look For On My Roof?
Asphalt Shingle (Most Midwestern Roof Material)
- Shingles on floor.
- You can see roof underlayment.
- Loose, broken or crackled shingles.
- Bubbling or blistering shingles.
Wood Shingle
- Separated shingles.
- Rotting shingles.
- Loose, broken or crackled shingles.
Metal Shingle
- Dents in shingle, common after hail storm.
- Openings in shingle.
- Signs of rust.
- Loose, broken or crackled shingles.
IS Is There Other Damage I Should Be Concerned With?
YES. Many homeowners tend to forget that gutters, siding and skylights can also be damaged during a storm. If you are conducting your yearly inspection, make sure to check these out to. Please check your gutters and siding for any cracks or loosening. In addition, you want to make sure your gutters don’t have excess debris. If your gutters have too much debris this can block the flow of water and in return cause leaks and your roof to deteriorate. Furthermore, make sure to check skylights as the seal around them may be broken and cause a leak.
I Found Damage on My Roof. What Do I Do Now?
Prior to calling your insurance company, we recommend calling an experienced roofing specialist to help you determine the extent of your damage. Depending on your insurance carrier, if you file a claim, you may be liable for the deductible. Please note your deductible may be anywhere from $0 to $2,000 or more. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to look at your insurance policy prior to filing that claim. Sometimes, the cost to repair may be less then the deductible. Accordingly, if you call a roofing specialist they can help you determine the cost to fix the repair and if it is to your benefit to file the insurance claim or not. If your damage is severe, we can help you navigate the insurance claim process.
Tips for Maintaining Your Roof
Strong winds, heavy rain, hail, heat and snow are all factors that can affect the condition of your roof.
- Inspect your roof throughout the year. Every season can have an impact effect on your roof. For example, excessive heat and humidity can cause sun damage to your roof. In addition, melting snow and ice can lead to leaks. If you notice missing or loose shingles, feel free to give us a call for a free inspection.
- Clean your gutters! Gutters play an important role in roof maintenance as they direct debris, water and other substances away from your roof. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year.
- Do you have a tree over your house? We recommend regular tree trimming to minimize the impact of debris on your roof. Furthermore, regular tree trimming can prevent severe roof damage in case of fallen branches during a storm.