Do you need a roofing contractor to do your
roof maintenance and repairs? Generally speaking, a professional roofer is the
best choice if you want the job done right the first time. Here are some things
that you or the building maintenance staff can handle.
Whether the roof in question is covering a
commercial or a residential building, regular inspection and general
maintenance is essential. A general inspection of the area can be done from the
ground when the roof is sloped, as is usually the case on a single home or
duplex.
You may be able to spot loose shingles or a
build up of debris for example. Then you have to make the decision about
whether you can safely clean away the debris or make the repair.
On buildings with gutters, the gutters
should be cleaned out regularly if they are not covered. Leaves, small branches
and other debris accumulate in the gutters over time. The added weight can
cause the gutters to pull away from the building and the roof leaks can be done as a result.
Do you need a roofing contractor to clean
your gutters? No. But if the roof were damaged due to failure to clean the
gutters regularly, you would need to call a roofer.
On flat roofs, often used for commercial
buildings, an inspection involves walking the roof on a regularly scheduled
basis. For any type of roof, an inspection should be done after stormy weather,
regardless of the schedule.
Heavy winds can dislodge shingles and other
materials. Heavy rains can cause pools to form on flat roofs. Although the pools
may dry up eventually, it may be a good idea to remove the water with a wet-dry
vac. Pools of water can cause corrosion of certain materials and deterioration
of others.
When water pools near a seam or flashing,
the roof is more likely to leak. Do you need a roofing contractor when you have
a leak? Yes. If you want the leak repaired correctly and professionally, a
roofer is the right choice.
Not all roofers are the same, of course.
Their qualifications and experience vary. The pricing may be different among
the contractors in your area. The best advice is to interview a few candidates
and get some references. You might also ask other business or homeowners in the
area for a recommendation.
This is the real answer to: do you need a
roofing contractor. If you cannot safely, easily and correctly do the job on
your own, then you need to call a roofer.
