Will Regular Roof Maintenance Really Save Me Money on Repair Costs?

Are you worried that small roof issues might turn into bigger, more expensive problems? Do you have leaks or damage on your roof but aren’t sure how to find a roofing contractor who can help?

At RoofSmart, we do hundreds of maintenance and repair jobs each year. One of the most common things that we see is homeowners who have roof issues because they were neglected.

Maintenance is key to making sure that your roof works for as long as possible. On top of that, lack of maintenance means that your roof warranty will be voided. In other words, the costly repairs will be on you.

Although it’s easy to forget about or put off roof maintenance, we like to educate our customers on the importance of keeping up with it so that we can help them fix issues before they cause too much damage to the roof.

In this article, you’ll learn what proper roof maintenance entails, why small repairs matter, and how hiring the right contractor can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs.

By the end, you’ll know how to keep your roof in good condition and understand why it is beneficial to choose an experienced, trustworthy contractor.

How can regular roof maintenance prevent costly repairs?

Roof maintenance can happen in many different ways. Some of it you can choose to do yoursel f, such as:

• Clearing debris like leaves, pine needles, and twigs off the roof
• Washing the roof, but not too hard!
• Cleaning gutters

If you are unable to perform maintenance to your roof or you prefer to hire someone else to do it, you can hire a roofing contractor. In addition to the maintenance items listed above, roofers can also:

• Treat the roof for algae buildup or moss growth
• Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles
• Inspect other areas on the roof like the flashing, pipe boots, vents, and chimney
• Check for signs of leaks or damage

Regular roof maintenance is important because it helps keep your roof in good condition and catch potential issues before they cause further damage.

It is important to clear debris off your asphalt shingles because they can sit on there and retain moisture, causing your roof to deteriorate. In a rainy area like Seattle, this is a major concern.

It is also important to annually inspect your roof to make sure that there are no signs of damage or leaks. Promptly fixing damage to your roof before it gets worse will protect you from further damage and costly repairs later on.

Why is it important to repair your roof?

Small repairs can seem like a nuisance to take care of, but ignoring them can lead to leaks or other issues that will cause damage to your roof.

Your roof is at risk of damage if your roofer finds issues like this:

• Missing shingles
• Torn or cracked shingles
• Cracked or leaking pipe boots
• Dented or damaged flashing
• Damage to your chimney

All of these issues can lead to roof leaks, which can cause devastating amounts of damage. Your attic will be at risk of growing mold, the plywood on your roof deck can rot, and you can suffer structural damage from water rotting the wood elsewhere on the roof.

In the Greater Seattle area leaks are very common. With all the rain and constant moisture, it is highly likely that damage to your roof will lead to a leak. It’s important to act quickly so that you don’t end up having to pay thousands of dollars to repair additional damage from a leak.

Also, if you don’t perform regular maintenance on your roof then you risk losing your warranty coverage. You must do your part to keep your roof in good condition, otherwise, your insurance company might not cover damage repairs or only cover part of the cost.

Why is it so common for homeowners to neglect roof maintenance?

It’s no secret that roof leaks can lead to further damage, so why do so many homeowners still hesitate to repair their roofs?

It’s possible you might be too busy or worried that it will cost too much to hire a professional. See how homeowners just like you feel about the dangers of roof leaks and repair costs in this Reddit thread:

Why do people not repair roof leaks?
byu/dcuhoo inHome

This Reddit thread explores the many different reasons why homeowners don’t perform maintenance or address roof leaks, but there is a focus on cost issues.

When deciding how you want to deal with roof maintenance and repairs, keep in mind that it is very easy for a leak to end up costing you more in the long run if not repaired immediately because of the extensive damage it can do.

Why should I hire a professional for roof maintenance instead of doing it myself?

Not every roofing company offers maintenance or repair services. Some companies are too small or too new to take on that additional work.

When you work with a contractor who has a service department that offers maintenance and repair services, you gain access to a trusted professional that you can rely on for ongoing roof needs.

Here are the benefits of choosing a contractor with a service department:

1.) They’re committed to helping customers long-term

If a roofing company does not have a service department, they are not able to help their returning customers very easily. This can be a big concern if you have an emergency issue on your roof (like a leak). If the roofer’s schedule is full, then they may not be able to help you.

Roofing contractors who don’t offer maintenance or repair services are likely new. Or, they might just not see the value in offering these services to their customers.

A roofing company that has a service department for new or returning customers shows that the company is invested in sticking around for a while. This means that they’re less likely to disappear in a few years and leave you scrambling to find a new roofer or cause you to lose your warranty coverage.

If you choose a roofer that has a service department , you have the peace of mind of knowing that they are familiar with your roof and are able to get you on the schedule within a reasonable timeframe. You’ll know that they can help you quickly if you have a leak on your roof.

2.) It can indicate that they are an established, trustworthy business

If you are interested in hiring a legitimate and well-established roofing contractor, then finding one with a service department is a good starting point.

A roofer who demonstrates to you that they’ll be around for your ongoing roofing needs is showing you that they are dedicated to serving their local community and are a trustworthy company.

Someone who has a team large enough to offer a service department and advertises it to you is less likely to disappear into the night with your money. And i f you have a warranty claim you need to fulfill, you can trust that this company will be there to help you out.

3.) They won’t prioritize bigger projects over your smaller project

Using a roofer who doesn’t have a service department means that if you need to have your roof cleaned or patched up, you’ll have to find another roofing contractor to help you. There are plenty of other contractors out there that can help you with repairs.

However, it can be hard to get on the schedule. Roofing contractors make more money from replacement or big repair jobs, so they might prioritize those jobs over yours.

But, if you work with a roofing company that has a service department, you know that they have the capacity to help you with maintenance and small repairs.

How do I know I’m choosing the Right Roofing Contractor?

A neglected roof can lead to serious consequences, but with regular maintenance and timely repairs, you can keep your home safe and secure. Working with an experienced contractor who offers maintenance and repair services ensures you have a partner who cares about your roof as much as you do.

However, it can be difficult to figure out where to start looking for a roofing contractor and how to determine if they’re qualified.

Not sure where to find a reliable roofing contractor who offers maintenance and repair services? Read our article “The 8 Best Roof Repair Contractors in the Seattle Area ” to start your search.