Climate Roof Replacement and Maintenance Tips

As a homeowner in South Jersey or a neighboring area, you have had your share of climate-related woes in the past. With sweltering summers and bitterly cold, snowy winters, the roof of your home has protected your family from a myriad of weather-related challenges. Gaining a better understanding of these challenges and what you can do about them can help you better protect the roof that protects you. 

Regional Roofing Challenges

The South Jersey and surrounding area experiences a diverse range of weather conditions, each posing unique threats to your roof. Summer brings high humidity and intense heat, potentially warping or cracking some types of roofing materials.

Winter then counters with heavy snow and ice, which can lead to ice dams and excessive weight on your roof. Additionally, the region is no stranger to the occasional nor'easter, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that can wreak havoc on poorly maintained roofs or those in need of repair or replacement.

Tips for Roof Longevity

Regular maintenance is critical for extending the life of a roof located in the South Jersey or surrounding area. Here are some of the most important roof maintenance tips for homeowners in this region. 

Inspections 

Inspections performed twice per year—optimally in both early spring and late fall—are the best way for homeowners to catch minor roof repair issues before they become big (usually expensive) problems. During these inspections, the roofing contractor will examine the roof for missing or damaged shingles, sealant damage around vents and pipes, flashing issues, water damage, and general signs of wear or damage that need to be addressed.

Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged, damaged, or missing gutters are a leading cause of roof damage and leaks inside the living spaces of the home. Homeowners can best avoid these problems by ensuring that their home's gutters and downspouts are cleaned and inspected regularly to make sure they are free of clogs and debris and in capable of protecting the roof of your home. 

Trim Back Overhanging Foliage 

When tree branches, heavy vines, or other foliage are allowed to contact the surface of your roof, damage can begin to occur. Scraping branches can remove the protective granular surface of shingles or even catch and rip the edges of roofing shingles. In addition, limbs that overhand the roof, or grow too near, provide a significant risk of damaging the surface, if they fall due to windy weather conditions. 

Checking for Leaks

Homeowners can also help protect their homes by checking frequently for signs of water infiltration inside the home. Wet spots or stains on ceilings or drip marks on walls not caused by plumbing problems should be investigated promptly as they are signs that water from rain or melting snow is infiltrating the home. Early detection of water infiltration is the best way to prevent 

When Roof Replacement Becomes Necessary

While maintenance can extend your roof's life, there comes a time when replacement is inevitable. Roofing contractors will likely advise homeowners to consider roof replacement whenever one or more of the following is noted during an inspection: 

• A persistent leak that is not cured by repair or multiple leaks indicative of a systemic roof failure problem
• Damage from a storm or event that goes beyond a minor repair or covers a significant portion of the roof's surface area
• Wear that is age-related, such as a roof that is nearing its expected lifespan

Other issues that can create the need for an immediate roof replacement project is when the structural part of the roof, such as the supportive wooden rafters that hold the weight of the roof, have weakened due to breaking, cracking sagging or when portions of the roof decking have weakened and will need to be replaced.

No matter whether you are interested in improving your roof maintenance game or it is time to consider a complete roof replacement project, contacting a reputable local roofing contractor is always the best move. Reach out to P&G Renovations to get started.