Are Homes Near the Ocean More Susceptible to Roof Damage and Aging?
If you have lived in a seaside community for any length of time, on or near any large body of water, chances are you have experienced first-hand excessive moisture attacking everything from electronic equipment to outdoor awnings, windows, sliding glass doors, any exposed wood and even your roof. Beaches residents understand that these and many other problems associated with beach-life are sometimes a hard price to pay even though these types of communities are an ideal place to call home.
Besides the additional moisture the ocean creates daily, tropical storms, high winds and excessive salt adds to the somewhat devastating effect all of these adverse conditions create over time. Even though roofing materials are manufactured to withstand a certain amount of prolonged exposure to the elements, the beaches environment is conducive to advancing the wear because of its close proximity to the ocean.
Tips For Prolonging the Life of Your Beaches Roof
#1. Maintenance and Roof Inspections
Maintaining the condition of your roof is the best way to extend its life especially if you live at the beach. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, having your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor at least twice a year will save you significant repairs down the road. Roofs are designed and built to last decades but even the slightest damage can cause issues and might not stay limited to the area effected for very long if not properly corrected.
#2. Keep Foliage Trimmed
North Florida and even its coastal plain, have an over abundant number of indigenous trees and tree canopies that are a constant hazard to roofs and the materials used in their construction. No materials are completely impervious to the damage caused by tree limbs and falling leaves which can collect over time, creating root and living fauna. Even Spanish Tile Roofs and Metal Roofs are susceptible to damage if not properly protected from limbs. Asphalt Shingle roofs are most vulnerable to scratches and penetration when tree limbs rub up against them. Obviously, to protect these roofing materials from damage, branches need to be periodically trimmed and decayed or damaged limbs and trees need to be removed before they can inflict physical harm.
#3. Periodic Gutter & Down Spout Review
Besides branches, limbs and leaves damaging your roof, these items can also clog gutters and downspouts triggering the collection of water which in turn can damaging roofs and the adjacent materials. Gutter systems are designed to remove water quickly to prevent its stagnation and eliminate the ultimate damage it can cause. Sagging gutters or damaged draining components need to be repaired or replaced and soon as they are identified.
#4. Roof Age and Condition When Purchasing a Home
If you are buying a home, before you put down a deposit, or request a home inspection, review the age and condition of the roof as this is probably the most expensive repair you will incur. Additionally, many insurance companies will not insure a home if the roof is of a certain age or condition. A professional roofing contractor like Sunrise Roofing Company can inspect the potential home’s roof and advice you the best course of action needed to be taken to ensure the roof is in good condition. Sunrise Roofing can also prevent any future issues from occurring if repairs are needed. Likewise, if you are selling a home, having a roof that will pass inspection is paramount to get the best price for your sale and limit your exposure in the transaction process.
#5. Check for Signs of Any Roof Damage
Due to the close proximity of homes at the beach to the elements, identifying any kind of damage to any roofing material; shingle, metal or tile is extremely important in preventing further damage from occurring. Sub-structure damage is the number one additional expense homeowners incur when initiating roof repairs or replacing a roof. Catching damage early in the process will save you time and money.
Only Enlist a Professional Roofing Contractor for Repairs or Replacement
When damage occurs to your roof and you need repair or replacement, choosing a hometown beaches roofer like Sunrise Roofing Company is a wise choice. With over 25 years of experience, Sunrise Roofing is a licensed, bonded and insured, general and roofing contractor. We specialize in all types of roofs including, tile, asphalt shingle and metal. We have extensive experience providing maintenance, inspections, repairing and replacing residential roofs and commercial roofing systems. As a beaches roofing contractor, we have considerable knowledge in dealing with all types of roofing issues caused by high winds, damaging storms, salt and water intrusion making us a valuable resource to evaluate and remediate any roofing problem. Give us a call at 904-323-1929 for a free roof inspection and estimate.
