It doesn’t matter what material comprises your roof -- asphalt composite, clay tiles, metal -- it needs occasional maintenance.
Think of all the elements your roof is exposed to -- fierce Santa Anna winds, wicked winter rains and, of course, the unrelenting Southern California sun.
It’s true: your roof takes a pounding. So, you owe it to yourself to perform maintenance to keep it in tip-top condition.
Here’s how:
Look Over Your Roof Every Year
An annual roof inspection can identify little problems before they lead to a major leak. A professional roofer can climb onto your roof and diagnose any likely problem spots, including:
Curling
Buckling
Loose or missing shingles
Granules in the gutter
If your roof is relatively new, you might be able to get by with an inspection and the requisite maintenance on a five-year interval until your roof hits the 15-year mark. After that, your roof is on borrowed time, and you'll want to shorten the interval between inspections.
If Your Roof Shows Wear
If your roof is starting to show wear, you'll want to have a professional take a look. One sign of a worn roof is discoloration. If you look at a picture of your home from a few years ago and see that the color of your roof has dulled over the years, it might be time to replace a few worn shingles or your entire roof. Another sign of roof wear is a buildup of tiny asphalt granules in your gutters. If your gutter is filled with these granules from your roof that look somewhat like grains of dark sand, that means that you have less protection between you and the elements than you need.
If You See a Leak
One of the biggest signs you need to have a professional look at your roof is the appearance of a leak. You're not likely to see a drip immediately. A roof leak is more likely to show up as a stain on your ceiling or your wall. On your ceiling, a roof leak will generally present as a circular stain. If the leak is running down your walls, it will appear as a streak running from the top of the wall toward the floor. If these stains show up, you'll want to get your roof checked as soon as possible to avoid further damage. A small leak might require a quick repair. A bigger problem could lead to a full replacement.
If You Have a Major Storm
Occasionally, the West Coast can experience the remnants of tropical storms that blow in off the Pacific. At times, high winds can accompany these storms. If you've been in the path of a storm with lots of rain, wind and debris, you might want to have a professional check your roof. At times, shingles can blow off and lead to leaks.
Most storms hit during the winter in the Southwest. Therefore, if its time to take care of roof maintenance, you'll want to have it done in the fall. This will allow you to have your roof in top condition before the winter and spring rains hit. This step can keep your home dry if the rainy season brings heavy precipitation.
If you're in need of a roof repair or a new roof in the Los Angeles area, be sure to check with Delta Roofing Inc. Our professionals would be more than happy to provide you with a full roof inspection and a recommendation for any repairs you might need. Give us a call today at (818) 563-5325 to set up an appointment.