Not sure if roof maintenance is something you actually need or just another add-on service roofing companies push? Worried that skipping it might come back to bite you, but unclear what it even involves or how much it should cost?
You’re not alone. Many homeowners aren’t exactly sure what roof maintenance includes, when it’s necessary, or whether it’s something their roofer even does well (or at all). And in the Seattle area, where moisture, moss, and algae are constant threats, those unknowns can lead to expensive problems.
At RoofSmart, we have an entire department dedicated to roof maintenance. We prioritize educating our customers on the importance of maintaining your new roof and making sure that we’re always available to help you out.
This article breaks down exactly what you can expect from RoofSmart’s roof maintenance process, how much it typically costs, and how proper maintenance helps you stay ahead of damage, warranty issues, and insurance headaches.
What maintenance services do roofing companies typically offer?
Although roof replacement is the most common service offered by roofing companies, there are plenty of other things your roofing company should help you with.
A lot of roofing companies offer maintenance services to help you keep your roof in good shape. This includes things like
- Roof cleaning
- Moss and algae removal
- Gutter cleaning
Moss and algae growth are common in the Seattle area due to all the moisture. If your roof gets shade from trees surrounding your home, then your roof is likely to grow algae or moss. If you don’t get rid of it immediately, it will continue to spread and ruin your roof.
Typically, roofing companies will at least provide roof cleaning services, but not every roofing company does. Some companies do offer these services, but don’t have a separate crew dedicated only to maintenance. This can make it difficult to get on the schedule.
What’s the maintenance service process like with Roofsmart?
Here's the step-by-step breakdown of our maintenance process:
- You request service: The process begins with you calling in your maintenance request. Our service department will ask you what kind of service you want and put you on our schedule.
- We assess the roof: On the day your roof maintenance is scheduled, our maintenance team will arrive at your home. Before they begin their maintenance routine, they’ll quickly check the roof to see if there is any damage or other issues that need to be addressed that you might not be aware of.
- Roof maintenance begins: After checking the roof, the RoofSmart crew will begin working on your roof. So, what does routine maintenance look like? For a typical cleaning job, they’ll use a high-powered blower to blow the debris off. And then they’ll clean out the gutters and make sure the downspouts aren't plugged. They’ll finish up by cleaning the ground around your home to make sure that the debris they blow off the roof doesn’t just sit on your lawn. If your roof needs additional services (like moss removal), they’ll also do that. This whole process usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
- We follow up with other repairs as needed: If the maintenance crew notices other issues with your roof while they’re up there, they will let you know. They might be able to make minor repairs with the tools they have. If not, we can schedule a time for our team to come back out and fix your roof.
Before we do any additional work, we will make sure to discuss it with you so that you’re aware of what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
How much do maintenance and other services cost at RoofSmart?
Here’s how we break down pricing for maintenance work:
- $475 for the first hour
- $125 per hour (per person) after the first hour
Regular roof cleaning usually only takes 1 to 2 hours, so you can expect to pay $475 or more, depending on how large the task is).
If there are any material costs, those charges will be included as well. This usually doesn’t cost much for maintenance calls. For example, if you need moss removal, this would include the cost of the moss treatment.
However, on a typical roof cleaning or routine maintenance, there are no added material costs.
Does my roof really need maintenance?
We understand that taking the time to clean your roof or paying someone else to do it does not sound like the most fun idea.
However, making sure that your roof is in good condition will help it last longer and perform better. Leaves, moss, and algae buildup on your roof can deteriorate or damage your roof and cause it to fail prematurely.
Plus, if you (or a roofer) get up there regularly to clean it, you have a better chance of noticing issues before they cause too much damage, potentially saving you money. And don’t forget the gutters as part of this process. Here’s a checklist you can use as a guide.
In addition, your roof warranty and your homeowner’s insurance require that you perform regular maintenance on your roof; otherwise, your coverage is void. So, make sure you either log the times you clean your roof or keep receipts when you hire a roofer so that you have evidence that you’ve been maintaining your roof.
Without warranty and insurance coverage, you could be stuck paying thousands of dollars for a repair that you should’ve gotten coverage for. Doing regular roof maintenance protects your roof and your coverage.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor for Repairs and Maintenance?
Now that you know exactly what to expect from RoofSmart’s maintenance process—how we clean, inspect, and proactively protect your roof—you can feel more confident about staying ahead of the costly issues that come with roof neglect.
But maintenance is only part of the picture. Whether it’s a quick fix after a storm or a more serious repair uncovered during a cleaning, the contractor you trust to do that work matters just as much, if not more.
It’s important to understand why the person doing your roof repairs and maintenance should be held to a higher standard.
Read our article “Will Regular Roof Maintenance Really Save Me Money on Repair Costs?” to learn how to spot a contractor who cuts corners, and why a bad repair job today can lead to major damage later.
