Nobody wants the expense and hassle of replacing a roof, particularly if it should have many more years of life left on it. There are numerous reasons why roofs start to disintegrate, some of which can be tied to faulty materials or poor construction. However, the majority of roof problems can be avoided or dealt with quite easily with routine maintenance and commonsense repair techniques. Read here about some ways to approach the problem of a leaking roof.
Whenever an issue regarding your roof comes up, the very first thing on your mind should be safety. This cannot be stressed enough. Finances may be what you naturally are concerned with, but you will lose far more money if you are incapacitated by injuries incurred while inspecting or trying to repair a leaking roof. If you are not in good physical condition for climbing onto your roof, do not attempt it under any circumstance.
If you are able to inspect the roof problem yourself, use safety techniques and equipment at all times. Wear a harness and always tell a family member or neighbor when you are climbing a ladder and walking about in a precarious situation, especially if your house has multiple stories or slanted roof sections.
Hose down the roof thoroughly, in order to clear debris for better visibility, and to help identify the source of the leak. Before climbing up there, use a hose on full strength and saturate the roof from below. Walk around the perimeters of the house, and inside every room, looking for leaks. Write down every place where you see evidence of a water leak or dampness. Always allow the roof to dry before walking on it, for safety reasons, as well as to keep from causing further damage.
Always keep gutters clean and free from debris. Clogged gutters can contribute to rotting and breakage of the roof tiles closest to the edges. It can also contribute to mold and mildew accumulation which can spread, causing other tiles to become vulnerable, and exposing your family and pets to airborne particles that cause health issues.
Keep a close eye on valleys or ridges that you see developing, and repair roof boots at the first sign of wear and tear. If you see evidence of dry rot, address this issue before it gets worse. Dry rot will never just "go away" on its own. If this is not something you are knowledgeable about yourself, either consult a professional or hire one to fix the problem for you.
Never allow ice to build up on your roof in the winter months. This can weigh heavily on the tiles as well as on the underneath beams, making the entire roof structure vulnerable and considerably reducing its lifespan. Use protective coatings prior to the onset of bad weather, and use de-icing sprays and products to remove ice before it has a chance to build up.
These things may seem like a chore, but it would be wise to stay on top of them before they cause major problems that will cost you a lot of time and even more money. Preventive maintenance and quick response to small problems will help you avoid larger ones. Take these insights to heart and use them in keeping your roof healthy and functional.