Many homeowners jump to the conclusion that a roof is a one-and-done deal. And some may even go decades without even thinking about their roof. But as we all know, your roof is your home’s protection. Considering that it’s the first line of your home’s defense, it takes quite a beating from all of the wet and wild weather of the Pacific Northwest. Any roof damage—big or small—that goes unrepaired can jeopardize the interior of your home.

And let’s face it: you can’t perform roof services while on the ground. Plus, climbing onto your roof isn’t a lighthearted adventure. So what can you do to keep your roof in top-top shape while not running the risk of injuring yourself? Look to the professionals. Here are five roofing services you need to keep your home protected.

1. Roof inspection
An inspection is the first step in assessing your roof’s health. And a professional contractor has the trained eye to find weak spots, leaks, or any damage that has occurred to your roofing material. Having a trained professional inspect your roof will help you nip any problems in the bud before they spiral out of control by causing further damage such as interior leaks that could lead to hazardous mold.

Furthermore, having your roof inspected frequently can help you save tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Catching trouble spots early allows you to be proactive by performing repairs in a timely fashion. A small crack can lead to trapped moisture, which could then lead to a rotting wood deck. And we all know that a full-on, premature roof replacement is costly.

So getting your roof inspected by a professional will help you catch potential dangers to your roof before they become larger, more costly repairs.

2. Roof maintenance
Now that you’ve checked off roof inspections, you should consider roof maintenance. Maintenance is the practice of being proactive by taking measures to prevent further any damage or any further damage. Basically, it’s a critical piece of the puzzle to keeping your roof in optimal shape and condition. In addition, regular maintenance is required by some roof warranties.

When roofing contractors are performing maintenance, there are two key areas they’ll be keeping a close eye on:

• Flashing: Made of aluminum or galvanized steel, flashings are material used to cover the joints in roofs in order to prevent leaks. They can be found on roof valleys, around skylight perimeters as well as around chimneys.
• Roofing material: During maintenance, professional contractors can make repairs if they find any surface wear and tear.

3. Roof cleaning
Regular roof cleanings are an integral roofing service you can’t skip out on. There are a wide variety of reasons for keeping your roof spick and span, and you can read more details about it in our blog post, 3 key reasons to do a regular roof cleaning.

Roof cleaning isn’t as simple as cleaning your kitchen. For one, cleaning your kitchen doesn’t require you to climb a potential 20 feet or more. Hiring a professional will ensure that your roof is not only thoroughly cleaned, but also cleaned with the correct chemicals by using the correct processes. Using the wrong chemicals or incorrect procedures can actually cause further damage your roof.

Another reason why you need regular roof cleanings is that algae can still be present even though it’s not visible. The thing about algae is that in its early stages, it’s invisible. So even if you glance up at your roof and don’t see any black streaks, you shouldn’t brush off the idea of a roof cleaning.

And let’s also not forget that spot cleaning isn’t a thing in the roofing world. Just because you see algae or moss in just one spot on your roof, it doesn’t mean it hasn’t started to spread. This is why a regular roof cleaning is extremely important—to get rid of living organisms that are making a home on your roof.

4. Roof repair

There’s something very satisfying and self-fulfilling about DIY projects. But there’s a time and a place for that. Roof repairs are better left to the professionals. For one, professional roofing contractors have experience with repairs, so they know which tools and supplies will get the job done, let alone, they know how to perform the job in a safe way.

When was the last time you stood on your roof while trying to nail something down? We’re going to guess it’s either been a very long time or it’s never happened. Repairs on your roof can get very complicated in terms of safety. And roofing professionals spend every day on top of roofs, so they have safety equipment to help prevent injuries.

Let’s also touch on potential damage from inexperience. A roofing contractor knows the correct processes for repairing a roof. A DIY-er can potentially cause cracks or damage the roof accidentally that could lead to larger leaks.

5. Roof installation
First and foremost, let’s get this part out of the way: warranties. Some roofing materials have very specific installation instructions. And if done incorrectly, it can completely void your warranty. Warranties cover the integrity of the product—not installation mistakes.

The next reason to call a professional is that there are many things that can easily go wrong during a roofing installation. Roofs are already very vulnerable since they shield your home from the elements, so mistakes during installation will only make your roof and home even more vulnerable to excess damage. For example, tears in shingles or incorrect installation of flashing can cause leaks.

Professionals can also take extra measures to ensure the exterior of your home (including your lawn and garden) and interior of your home are well protected during the installation process. So if you don’t have experience installing the roofing material of your dreams, it’s time to call a professional.

Any roofing job is a complicated job. It requires climbing on top of your roof and ensuring that the correct process is followed in terms of maintenance, repairs, or installations. Calling a professional for roofing services is your best bet in making sure that you’re not making any further damages to your roof. After all, a professional contractor has a trained eye to spot trouble spots, and they also have the knowledge to get the job done right.

If you have any questions about roofing services, we’re your go-to professionals—from Seattle to Snohomish to Olympia. Give us a call at (360) 794-7164 or fill out our contact form.