Up on the Roof
Proper maintenance now can help you avoid expensive repairs later
AAA - Westways Magazine
May
2013
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When a big storm blows into town, are you holding your breath, wondering if your roof will leak? While rain falls outside, do you kick yourself for not having hired that contractor to inspect your roof?
If so, you’re not alone. Too many homeowners discover that their roof needs repairs only after it starts to leak. Then, if the leak causes serious water damage, there’s a chance their insurance may not cover repairs.
The best way to avoid expensive repairs resulting from a leaky roof is to perform regular preventive maintenance and replace your roof when damage or age dictates it’s time. Here are a few maintenance tips, along with some guidelines for choosing a contractor:
Check your roof for signs of wear annually.
From the ground, take a detailed look at your roof with a pair of binoculars. Are any shingles torn, loose, or missing? If so, you may need to hire someone to secure or replace them. Is there any sign of other damage? Often the first place a roof shows its age is in the shingles that cap the roof peaks. Replacing these will cost far less than a whole new roof and can give your roof up to five more years of life.
Inspect the gutters.
Clear out debris that’s stuck in the gutter system. Leaves, twigs, and other waste can stop water from draining properly, which can lead to water damage to your roof, walls, and ceiling. What’s more, heavy mounds of debris can cause gutters to sag and even fall down. If tree limbs are hanging directly above your roof, trim them back so that the leaves and branches can’t fall on your roof and cause damage.
Look for other signs your roof might need replacing.
If you can clearly see a leak stain on the ceiling inside your home, if shingle granules start to show up in your roof gutters or fall onto the driveway, or if it looks as if your roof is sagging or dipping, you probably have a problem. Call a contractor and schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible to ward off further damage.
Keep tabs on your roof’s age and warranty, and replace it on time.
Most roofing types are designed to last an average of 15 years, but certain types can last as long as 25 years. Also, roof warranties can vary widely depending on the materials used. Maintain records detailing when your roof was installed and what the warranty protects so you’ll know when it’s time to replace it. Putting on a new roof increases your home’s value, and you might also get a discount on your insurance.
If you need to hire a contractor to fix or replace your roof, check his or her credentials.
Before you sign a contract or hand over any money, ask your roofer for proof that he or she is licensed and carries general liability and worker’s comp insurance. Then ask for referrals, and check them. You want to hire someone with a solid reputation and many years of experience in the trade.
Get it in writing.
A good contractor will provide you with a written estimate on the cost of the roof repair and how long it will take. If your roofer can’t (or won’t) give you a contract, or if he asks you for more than half of the price upfront, you’re probably better off finding someone else.
Ask an Agent
Q: My roof was recently damaged in a storm, but there has been no evidence of any leaks. Is there any coverage for the roof damage?
A: Most insurance carriers will cover the roof repair under your homeowners policy for damage caused by a storm, even if there is no water leak, subject to the applicable deductible.
Damage caused by things like fallen tree limbs landing on the roof is another instance where your homeowners policy may provide coverage.
Even minor damage like broken or missing shingles may be covered if the damage is caused by wind.
We recommend that you check with your home insurance carrier for further information or we can provide that information to you by calling: Leo Morales 562-500-1362
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