A Warranty Will Not Stop Leaks
A simple guide to protecting your investment
Published: 07/11/2019
Most homeowners rest assured knowing that their roof is protected under the manufacturer’s warranty in the event of extreme weather or damage; however, many have not considered how the process of fixing a damaged roof actually goes.
A manufacturer’s warranty will likely cover the cost of any repairs to the roof, but how prepared are you for the phone calls, the paperwork, potential temporary relocation while repairs are made, or other inconveniences related to roof repairs? Something that every homeowner must consider is that simply possessing a warranty will not prevent belongings from being destroyed or a family member being injured in the event of major damage.
A warranty is crucial to have in the event of roof damage, but a warranty does not prevent or stop leaks.
A new roof makes your house safer, more beautiful and more valuable. This new roof should last 20, 30 or even up to 50 years, but not without your help. As a homeowner, you need to protect your investment with regular maintenance.
Annual inspections
As part of regular preventative maintenance, an inspection is necessary to spot potential problems before they get bad. The National Roofing Contractor Association suggests that you inspect your roof at least once a year, but preferably twice annually during springtime and fall.
You can extend the life of your roof by taking the proper steps to prevent problems that could weaken and shorten its life span. Consider this: it could take up to two years for a leak in your roof to show inside the home; by the time you see the stain on your ceiling, water has already made it through all the layers of your roofing system: the shingle, underlayment, shields, plywood, insulation. Think of what happens when these materials are saturated and then sit through the seasons. Mold. Rot. Spreading of the leak. Catalyzing other problems within the structure that the average person wouldn’t have known to look for. In other words, lots and lots of headaches.
DIY: If you’re handy, and not afraid of heights, consider inspecting your own roof once or twice a year. Use this checklist as a guide.
- Start inside.Step into your attic and check around for any signs of moisture - wet spots, streaky spots, mold/mildew, sagging or soft spots, or obvious rot.
- Look for light.Stand inside your attic with all the lights off. Do you see daylight filtering anywhere? Make a note of it; this may be something you want to have an expert take a look at.
- Head outside.Walk the roof, checking for any irregularities in your shingles. Troubling irregularities can include:
- cracking, buckling or breaking
- missing pieces
- missing or loose shingles
- shingle or flashing edges or corners curling up
- missing granules
- discoloration
- green or black streaks
- soft or spongy spots
- Inspect your gutters.When shingles break down, the granules or broken pieces are likely to land in the gutters. If you find any signs of damage, it's time to call in the professionals for a second opinion.
A roofing expert is trained to see what you may be unable to discern...
NOTE Be aware that while a DIY roof inspection is better than no inspection, it’s still a good idea to enlist a professional when you can. AKVM experts are trained to spot issues that could lead to major problems in the future. Always keep in mind that if you can see a problem with the naked eye, it’s already been a problem for a while.
Call the pros.
A professional will inspect your roof following the steps above, including checking ventilation, r-value (resistance to heat flow, or insulating power), the condition of your chimney, flashing, shingles, etc. If the inspector has any concerns, he or she will advise on next steps, which can include a suggested course of action and an estimate of repair costs.
Having a professional perform an inspection at least once a year and after any major weather occurrence (like a hurricane) can save you headaches when you file a warranty or insurance claim, too. A roofing expert not only knows what to look for in terms of potential damage, he or she is likely also familiar with navigating claims related to roof damage.
Nature can be ruthless. Even the toughest roof can sustain damage regardless of warranty coverage. You’ll sleep much more soundly knowing that you’ve taken the proper steps to ensure that your family is protected by a fully inspected, certifiably sound roof.
AKVM roofers are dedicated to following manufacturer’s instructions precisely during installation so that you earn the full manufacturer’s warranty for the life of the roof.