For property owners, roofing is more than just the material which covers your building. Instead, it is one of the first and best defenses against damage and water intrusion for what is perhaps your biggest investment. But no roofing system is immune to impairment, especially when regularly exposed to Louisiana heat, humidity, wind and storms. 

Fortunately, our team at WestBank Roofing excels at inspecting, maintaining and repairing commercial and residential roofing systems. As a local company with over 50 years of experience, we understand how important a structurally sound roof is to property health, as well as the materials which work best in our New Orleans climate. We work to provide high-quality, cost-effective services to clients as quickly and precisely as possible, ensuring that your property has the protection it needs to weather any storm. 

What is Preventative Roof Maintenance?

Professional preventative roofing maintenance allows contractors to identify and repair issues and potential causes for concern before they can expand and cause further damage. This, in turn, reduces potential costs—such as increased energy bills, extensive repairs or full roofing replacements—and extends the lifespan of your roofing system. And for some property owners, maintenance may not be a choice, but a requirement of keeping your roofing warranty valid.

While the maintenance process will differ depending on your property’s needs, preventative maintenance may include tasks such as: 

1. Regular roof and attic inspections. At least once per year, have a professional technician examine your roof and attic for roofing material or structural concerns. Some issues, such as cracked, warped or missing shingles and other damaged roofing components, may only be visible from the outside. Issues such as leaks and warped roof decking, on the other hand, may be best noticed from your attic space. 
2. Examining and cleaning your roof ventilation. Inadequate, clogged or damaged ventilation may trap heat, cold air and humidity. This has the potential to reduce your property’s energy efficiency, damage your roof, and lead to harmful mold and mildew growth.
3. Clearing out your gutters and downspouts. A buildup of debris in your gutter system, or gutters which are no longer securely attached to your roof, may leak or overflow, allowing water to seep into your roof decking and foundation. This, in turn, can lead to issues such as cracks, rot and water intrusion, extending the damage further into your property. 
4. Trimming overhanging tree branches and clearing away dead or damaged trees. Water, plant debris and scraping branches can compromise the protective top layer of your roof via moss and algae growth, granule loss and more. Additionally, dead or damaged trees may be at risk of falling onto your property, potentially leading to extensive and costly roof repairs or replacements. 
5. Checking your insulation. Compromised or lacking insulation may trap moisture, let hot and cold air escape, and allow the formation of ice dams—that is, a buildup of ice on your roof’s edge that prevents water from draining off. 
6. Inspecting areas such as chimneys and skylights for damaged or missing caulking or sealant.
7. Conducting seasonal and post-storm assessments. Scheduling roof maintenance visits in spring and fall can ensure that damage incurred from storms, as well as extreme summer and winter weather, can be quickly addressed to ensure the safety of your property.

Choosing the Right Roofing Materials for Your Property

In order to have a long-lasting roof, you need to use durable materials. This is especially important in Louisiana, where your roofing needs to be able to withstand a range of weather patterns. Common roofing materials—as well as some of their pros and cons—include:

Metal

Pros: Metal roofing is attractive; highly durable and long-lasting; and often resistant to heat, wind, rain and snow.

Cons: Metal has the potential to be loud during storms, and is one of the more expensive roofing options.

Asphalt or fiberglass

Pros: Both asphalt and fiberglass are affordable, durable and available in a range of color options.

Cons: Asphalt shingles have relatively short lifespans when compared to other roofing materials. Additionally, both asphalt and fiberglass may be more susceptible to inclement weather than higher-quality roofing. 

Synthetic shingles

Pros: Made from a combination of materials such as recycled rubber and plastic, synthetic shingles are lightweight, eco-friendly and durable. They are also designed to look like traditional roofing materials such as wood, but without many of the downsides which may plague these classic options in the Louisiana climate.

Cons: More expensive than budget-friendly roofing and shorter-lived than other premium materials. 

Slate

Pros: One of the most durable, long-lasting, attractive, naturally insulating and eco-friendly roofing options.

Cons: The quality of slate is matched by its cost. Additionally, the weight of this material may make it difficult to install, and its brittle nature may lower its impact resistance. 

Clay or concrete tiles

Pros: Long-lasting, though concrete may have a shorter lifespan than clay; energy-efficient; and rot-, wind- and fire-resistant. Both clay and concrete tiles are an excellent choice for homes in heat-prone climates.

Cons: Both materials are heavy, relatively expensive and potentially susceptible to cold. Additionally, they may have low impact resistance.

Protect Your Property and Wallet with WestBank Roofing

At WestBank Roofing, we understand the importance of a durable and uncompromised roof, as well as the consequences of damage or irregular maintenance. It is our goal to ensure that your roof can provide the security and protection you need, and we achieve this through methods including:

Maintenance programs

We offer two maintenance programs; the Standard program and the Standard Plus “Storm Watch” program. In the Standard program, our team will assess your roof to determine maintenance needs, then plan to visit between one and four times per year. Annual fees will be split between these visits. In our “Storm Watch” program, inspectors will be automatically dispatched—once it is safe to travel—following a major storm. Your roof and property will be assessed for damage, and any repairs will be scheduled. 

Certifications

At WestBank Roofing, we are certified Fortified and GAF roofing contractors. Through the use of high-quality materials and construction techniques, as well as our commitment to quality customer service and roof care, we bring energy efficiency and long-lasting security to your property. Additionally, as GAF roofing contractors, we can offer our clients the GAF System Plus Limited Warranty, helping to save you money and gain an additional layer of protection. 

Contact WestBank Roofing to Schedule a Roof Inspection Today

High-quality, weather-resistant materials and preventative roof maintenance are key aspects of extending your roof lifespan. While certain issues may not be readily apparent, that doesn’t mean they do not exist, and allowing these problems to go untreated may have a range of consequences. But when you work with a skilled roofing company like WestBank Roofing, any causes for concern can be identified quickly, saving you money on roof repair costs and, potentially, your energy bill. And with over 50 years of roofing experience and services ranging from roofing inspections and replacements to gutter and siding installation, we are a one-stop-shop for a wide range of property-related needs. 

Ready to take the first steps toward improving your roof lifespan? Just give us a call or send us a message to schedule an inspection today.