At Southern National Roofing, our goal is to help you maintain your roof for maximum longevity.
To do that, regular maintenance is crucial because the longest-lasting roofing materials are only as good as how you maintain them after installation.
Our guide will explain the ins and outs of everything you need to know.
Roof Inspections
It starts with a visual inspection every year or after a large storm.
A professional inspector will arrive and thoroughly examine your roof and attic. They will assess the current condition of your roof and identify any signs that you need a new roof, such as leaking, missing shingles, or damaged flashing.
At Southern National Roofing, we look for the following:
- Shingle condition. We look to see if your roof has any cracked or brittle shingles or if shingles are shedding granules
- Damaged flashing or joints
- Leaks
- Holes from flying debris
- Missing fasteners
- General wear and tear
- Deformed edges
- Algae or moss
- Sagging
- Ridge vent damage
We then inspect the attic for proper ventilation, water damage, leaks, and mold or mildew growth.
After completion of our inspection, we provide a detailed report and explain our findings.
Roof Cleaning
One of the most important yearly tasks is to get your roof cleaned. Cleaning protects your roof from damage caused by mold, mildew, algae, and regular grime.
However, an important side note: cleaning your roof yourself can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous, so hiring a professional is often the safest way to get your roof cleaned.
The advantages are that their expertise, experience, and equipment will get the job done correctly.
If you hire out the job, typically a roof cleaning company will perform what they call a soft wash. This is the best cleaning method, especially for asphalt shingles.
A low-pressure spray, under 100 PSI, is used with a special cleaning solution that is gentle on the shingles yet very effective at killing fungus, mold, and other buildup.
Key questions to ask: Can the company provide references? Do they provide an estimate in writing? Are they licensed and insured? What cleaning method do they use?
If you see a company using a high-pressure power washer on a roof, this isn’t a good sign, and you should reconsider hiring them for the job.
Cost: Prices vary based on the size and pitch of your roof, level of grime and buildup, but the average cost is around $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot.
Roof Repairs
After high winds, hurricanes, heavy snowfall, and major storms, inspecting your roof to ensure it wasn’t damaged can add to its longevity and help avoid costly repairs down the road.
- Start by inspecting your roof visually for any signs of damage, or if you aren’t comfortable, hire a professional to inspect your roof thoroughly.
- Conduct an attic inspection next to look for water stains, damp spots, or light leaking in through the roof boards.
- Try to find the cause of the damage. Is it storm damage? Chimney damage, leaking vents, or other factors.
- Assess the cost to repair or replace based on your roof’s age and the extent of the damage. Often, extensive damage or a roof nearing the end of its lifespan is better replaced than repaired.
Don’t ignore problems. Southern National Roofing can help you understand what is involved in repairing or replacing your roof and guide you through the process.
We also offer advice on the best roofing for durability, should you need a complete roof replacement.
Call us today to schedule a free inspection!
