Homeguard recommends establishing a regular preventative maintenance program for the envelope of your home (Roof, Gutters, Fascias & Siding).
A Preventative Maintenance Program consists of regular inspections, cleaning & remedial repair of any noted defect, ideally twice a year in the spring and autumn. Homeguard is a qualified, trained, roofing contractor who can accurately assess the condition of the roofing components, identify defects and perform the necessary repairs.
Regular roof inspections are critical for ensuring potential issues are identified before they reach a crisis point. A robust roof maintenance program can help preserve the longevity of your roof and keep significant issues to a minimum. This not only helps prevent disasters but also affords homeowners the time to incorporate any necessary expenses into their budgets. It also allows more time to file and process any essential warranty claims before repairs.
Regular roof cleaning can help preserve your home’s aesthetic and resale value. More importantly, it also minimizes the risk of any damage to your roof or voiding its warranty.
Dirt, sap, and other debris on your roof can result in more than just a decorative issue. The accumulation of such organic material promotes the growth of moss or lichen. Moss and lichen both retain moisture that can severely damage your roof. Unchecked moss growth may void some roofs’ warranties and even your homeowner’s insurance, making it even more problematic. Moss might be tiny, but it packs a lot of trouble in its little green mass. Moss has root-like structures that adhere to your roof’s surface, causing pitting in many types of shingles and causing asphalt shingles to lose their protective granules.
A typical inspection should include a review of exterior walls from cracking & signs of moisture & review of the membrane, flashings & penetrations. (Possibly the interior walls & ceilings for signs of water staining.) Inspection and cleaning of the roof from moss. Gutters cleaned to ensure proper drainage.
Factors Affecting Roof Performance:
There are many factors that affect the long-term performance of a roofing system and causes deterioration and ageing of the roof components including the following:
Exposure to environmental elements including ultraviolet radiation, wind, rain, snow, temperature, air pollution & industrial emissions.
Structural movements such as settlement, seismic movement, and thermal expansion & contraction
Biological growth such as vegetation, fungus & algae.
Improper or inadequate design of the roof system including improper drainage, flashings, structural deficiencies etc.
Manufacturing defects, such as errors in formulation or fabrication.
Lack of proper maintenance including use of incompatible materials and ongoing water infiltration or condensation infiltration.
Changes to the use and occupancy of the building other than those for which it was designed such as an increase in interior humidity.
Rooftop traffic, abuse or vandalism.
(Factors are taken from CRCA advisory bulletin June 2014)