Buying a home is both a very exciting and a little bit scary process, especially for a first-timer. There are so many things to take into account! We at Crown Roofing & Masonry want to make it easier for you, thus have made a list of 5 main things you should know about your roof.
Lifespan
Roof types differ in durability and longevity. Let’s review the most popular roofing materials and their estimated lifespan!
Wood shingles can last 25-30 years.
Wood shake lasts 35-40 years.
Asphalt roll has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.
Metal roofs have an estimated life expectancy of 30 to 50 years.
Slate endures 100 years.
Regardless of the roof type, its age or material it is made of, get your own roof inspection to check if everything is ok. Don’t rely on a current homeowner and your real estate agent because the information about roof problems could be deliberately omitted in order to keep the price high. Remember that roof repairing is almost always a very costly thing.
Proper maintenance is a key! An independent roofing contractor doesn’t only inspect the roof, they can give you essential roof maintenance tips. Please, don’t ignore them. Preventive maintenance will save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Schedule regular check-ups! As a ruse, the report given to you after inspection remains valid for 2 to 5 years. However, there are several cases after which it would be wise to call a contractor. These are:
heavy rains and snowfalls;
rapid moss growth;
cracked or loose shingles;
signs of leaks or mildew.
Get your house insured!
We urge you to be very careful because insurance claims for roof damage are tricky. Read the contract very carefully or even seek advice from a professional jurist if needed. The fact is that whether your costs will or won’t be covered depends on the policy you have chosen. Please, remember that insurance companies refuse to cover damage from improper maintenance, routine wear and an old roof.At Crown Roofing & Masonry, we are always happy to provide you with needed information on roof maintenance. Call us at (847) 483-9960 to schedule an appointment and stay tuned for more useful blog posts!
A leaking roof is a worrying sign. This unpleasant situation usually catches the majority of homeowners completely off guard - what to do and who to call, how to minimize the damage? So many questions! Believe us, we know how frustrating, worrying and even terrifying it could be. First of all, there is one thing that needs to be clarified: if the roof is leaking, there has been a certain roof damage that you simply didn’t know about. That’s why we want to warn you against climbing your roof and checking it by yourself. The surface can be tricky, not to mention that roof leaks are less dangerous than hand/foot breaks. So, what should one do if there is a leak?
Step 1.
If it is still raining, the best you can do is to find all the empty buckets and tubs that you have at your disposal to gather the water. Please, make sure that electrical systems haven’t been exposed to water. We recommend to shut it off at all for everyone’s safety. As soon as you finish, call a contractor and schedule an appointment.
Step 2.
Here comes a roof inspection! Their main task is to analyze the damage, find its source and remove it before it causes any more damage. While choosing a contractor, pay attention to all the credentials, don’t be shy to ask questions.
Step 3.
A house check-up!
Roof leaks usually lead to other problems, especially if a leak exists for quite some time. It can be mold, mildew and even the decay of the structure. Anyway, it won’t hurt to check!
That’s it! By the way, we wanted to remind you that Crown Roofing & Masonry offers free cost estimation. Don’t hesitate to call us at (847) 483-9960 if you require further information.
Why is it important to maintain a roof?A roof is like a shield, it protects a building from snowfalls, rains, and storms. But due to that exposure to weather threats, your roof requires special care. Even if it does look perfectly fine to you, there could be unpleasant surprises upon a closer examination. Before you run away to grab a ladder and try to climb your roof, Crown Roofing & Masonry wants to remind you that a roof check-up should be conducted only by professionals. Believe us, this is not an easy task!A regular roof examination is the best way to reduce the risk of mold appearing. Even a tiny crack on a roof surface is enough to increase the moisture inside your home, creating perfect conditions for mold growth. Besides the health risks, it can easily cause dangerous structural damage. Please, remember that should you want to sell the house, mold and leaking can significantly decrease the price. A damaged roof can be a reason of thermal leaks in your house. As soon as the problem is fixed, you will be able to enjoy a steady home temperature. One of the most convincing reasons to schedule a check-up is a possible need to prove your case to the insurance company. A broken shingle that wasn’t replaced on time could be used as a proof against you.Don’t save money on roof maintenance. A new roof can be checked once in a few years, but old ones require regular examinations, especially after natural hazards. It is a wise investment in the future. Got any questions about an inspection process? Call us at (847) 483-9960!