When it comes to roofing, out of sight is often out of mind for property owners. Unless there’s obvious damage, it is all too easy to forget the importance of roof maintenance, or to decide it is too expensive to justify. But like many other aspects of your property, care is needed to keep your roof in the best condition possible. And while that does come with an annual upfront cost, the long-term benefits—from repair savings to improved roof longevity—outweigh the negatives.

Thankfully, for property owners in Southeast Louisiana, there is an excellent maintenance provider right in your backyard. With over 50 years of experience in the roofing industry, WestBank Roofing is able to offer unparalleled services and high-quality materials at a competitive price. But before you make any decisions, it is important to understand exactly what preventative roof maintenance is, as well as how it can maximize the performance and structural integrity of your roof.

What is Preventative Roofing Maintenance?

Preventative maintenance involves the routine performance of inspections, cleanings and minor repairs in order to prevent larger issues. While regular wear-and-tear—such as cracked shingles or accumulated debris—is common, neglecting these problems allows them to grow. In turn, what were once relatively small concerns that may have cost a few hundred dollars to address may instead require roof repairs or replacements, which may cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

Thankfully, roof maintenance is made easy with WestBank Roofing. Whether or not we installed your roof, our team is here to help keep it in the best shape possible with our maintenance programs: 

• Standard program: An inspector will visit your home in order to assess your roof’s condition and determine its needs. Then, we will work with you to schedule between one and four visits per year, as well as agree upon an annual fee that will be split between the maintenance appointments. 
• Standard Plus “Storm Watch” program: Following major storms, an inspector will be dispatched to your house once it is safe to travel. Your property will be assessed in order to determine the level of damage, and any necessary repairs will be scheduled. 

In general, maintenance should be performed at least once per year. This will give contractors a chance to identify and address areas of concern, as well as ensure that your warranty stays valid. However, factors including your roof’s age and material, as well as your area’s climate, may affect the number of recommended visits. If your property’s roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, for example, or if your area regularly experiences inclement weather, you may want to schedule additional inspections. 

Common Roofing Problems Which May Impact Your Property

If you don’t see any problems with your property’s roof, it can be easy to assume that none are there. And if your roof doesn’t have any issues, isn’t roof maintenance unnecessary? But a lack of visible issues doesn’t mean that none exist, or that issues won’t form in the future. In fact, avoiding maintenance can be damaging all on its own, as neglect may allow issues to grow into expensive—and often easily avoided—problems.

Common roofing vulnerabilities your property may experience include:

1. Water intrusion

These roof leaks rarely stay isolated; without attention, they may lead to issues including water stains, mold and mildew growth, and structural concerns. Water intrusion may be caused by damaged shingles, ice dams, cracked or missing flashing—that is, thin metal strips which protect non-shingle areas of your roof—and gutter damage, among other vulnerabilities. 

1. Damaged shingles

This may include cracked, missing or warped shingles, as well as shingles turned brittle from excessive sun exposure. Additionally, shingles may experience granule loss—that is, a shedding of the crushed stone and minerals which coat asphalt roofing—due to causes including age and weather damage.

1. Compromised gutters

This may look like clogged gutters and downspouts, as well as gutters which are no longer securely attached to your roof. If gutters are not connected and able to drain water properly, then water may seep into your roof structure or overflow onto your foundation, causing damage to multiple parts of your property.

1. Tree damage

Overhanging branches may lead to issues including:

• Granule loss or other shingle-related concerns
• Easy access for pests such as termites, which may lead to property damage if ignored
• Accumulated leaves, twigs and other debris, which can trap moisture and facilitate the growth of moss, algae, mold and mildew. If left alone for too long, debris buildup may lead to the damage of your roof structure. 

Additionally, dead or damaged trees or tree branches may fall during storms, potentially causing extensive and costly property damage. 

1. Ventilation issues

Attic ventilation which is not regularly inspected, cleaned and repaired may become clogged or otherwise compromised. This, in turn, may negatively impact attic air circulation, leading to increased humidity and internal temperatures. These issues may not only damage your property’s structure, but also reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, raising energy costs.

1. Ponding water

Particularly common on flat and low roofs, standing water consistently exposes your roofing materials to moisture. This may lead to issues including mosquitos, mold and mildew growth, roofing material rot and other structural problems.

Financial Benefits of Engaging in Preventative Maintenance

For many property owners, preventative roof maintenance is far more than just another annual expense. It can, over time, save you money in a variety of ways, including:

• Identifying and addressing small, isolated issues before they can grow into expansive, expensive problems
• Extending the lifespan of your roof, allowing you to avoid roof replacements for as long as is safely possible
• Avoiding business shutdowns or lost customers due to in-depth roof repairs or replacements, water damage and intrusion, mold and mildew growth, and other issues
• Improving your property’s energy efficiency, which may boost the performance of your heating and cooling systems as well as lower your energy bill
• Keeping your warranty valid. If your roofing warranty requires annual maintenance visits and you fail to schedule these appointments, you may be left to cover the full cost of repairs and replacements.
• Improving the value of your property, which may be particularly important if you intend to sell it sooner than later
• Protecting your property’s interior. This includes structural aspects such as walls and ceilings as well as furnishings, appliances and merchandise which may be damaged by leaks.

Maximize Your Savings and Improve Your Roof Health with WestBank Roofing

While regular roofing maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, proactive roof inspections and repairs are often far less costly than reactive ones. Neglecting roofing issues, from shingle damage to ventilation clogs to standing water, may turn small concerns into extensive problems. And these issues may not stay confined to your roof—leaks, mold and pests, if allowed to spread, may impact the entirety of your property. Thankfully, experienced roofing companies like WestBank Roofing are here to help prevent these problems. From maintenance offerings such as our “Storm Watch” program to quick and efficient roof repairs to gutter and siding replacements, we are here to ensure your property remains structurally sound for as long as possible. 

Want to schedule a property inspection and discuss your roof’s maintenance needs? WestBank Roofing is happy to help. Just give us a call or send us a message today