From the gentle pitter patter to a full-on driving rain, your home’s roof is there to protect. At these times, your roof, gutters and windows are really put to the test to keep the water out and safely away from your home’s interior and its foundation. Never underestimate how important your home’s exterior features are in terms of your home’s overall value.
General exterior maintenance
As far as general maintenance, homeowners know it’s a good idea to clear out gutters to ensure proper water flow. Caulking around windows is also a fairly easy do-it-yourself project. But there are other signs of wear and problems with ventilation that a professional roofer can quickly identify and repair. Small leaks can turn into bigger ones, so it’s smart to have a professional complete a thorough inspection and make small repairs early to extend the life of your roof.
Roof replacement
Despite proper yearly maintenance and occasional inspection if your roof is aging, it might be time for a replacement. Most asphalt roofs will require replacement every 12 to 20 years, with the average being replaced at 17 years. Some roofs are replaced even sooner due to unusual weather events such as hail or wind damage. Harsh winters in some parts of the country can further weaken and compromise a roof, making replacement more probably earlier in the lifetime of the roof.
Choosing a company
When it comes to choosing a residential roofing company for your roof repair or replacement roof, it can be overwhelming considering there are more than 50,000 such companies nationally in the business of roofing, siding, and sheet metal. Look for a company that has been in business for a while and has an established reputation in the area. Many times after a major weather event, companies from out of state canvass neighborhoods looking to cash in on residential work. Choosing a local company will give you peace of mind that the roof repair or replacement will last. Choosing locally also ensures they will be around for a follow-up if needed.
Gutters
Roofs and gutters are closely related and need to work together to properly move water and snow and ice away from your home. A professional roofer can perform a proper gutter inspection and aid in properly sizing gutters and directing water safely away from your home’s foundation.
Doors, siding, windows and sky lights
Siding, windows, doors and sky lights are examples of other services provided by companies specializing in home exteriors. The return on investment of some of these projects can be tremendous. For instance, a homeowner can expect to receive 78.6% return on window replacement and a new steel front door can garner a long-term return of 98%.
More than meets the eye
While your home’s exterior is what everyone sees from the street, it’s so much more than just curb appeal. A properly installed roof protects the skeleton of your home as well as the people and possessions within. Proper venting and tightly sealed windows aid in keeping down heating and cooling costs down. In short, maintaining your home’s exterior is worth entrusting to local professionals who know the industry and live in the same community.
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