Nena Colligan on Roof Inspections: Focusing on What Really Matters

The Importance of Roof Maintenance: Understanding Your Roof as a System

When it comes to protecting your home, understanding that the roof is more than just shingles and gutters is essential. It’s a system that works together to keep water out and maintain the structural integrity of your home. This was a key point discussed during our interview with Nena Colligan of the Colligan Group, Keller Williams in Ridgewood, NJ (Bergen County).

Homeowner tips often focus on age or visual inspections, but there's more to keeping your roof functional than just its appearance. Let's explore the key components of your roof system, how they interact, and why maintenance and repairs—like addressing roof soffit, curling shingles on roof, and gutter hangers—are essential for avoiding costly damage.

Your Roof as a System

When buying a home, many people think of a roof in terms of its age. However, the age of a system doesn’t necessarily reflect its functionality. A roof might not look perfect, but if it's not leaking, it's still doing its job. Water is the number one enemy of any home, and it’s critical to ensure that two areas are always watertight: the basement and the roof. Regular roof inspections and maintenance are vital to keeping water at bay.

Additional Tips for Homebuyers:

1. Roofing Material Matters: Different roofing materials have varying lifespans. For example, asphalt shingles generally last 20-30 years, while metal or slate roofs can last 50 years or more. When buying a home, understanding the material and its expected lifespan can help you gauge when a replacement might be needed.
   
   
2. Signs of Roof Damage: Even if the roof isn’t leaking, you should be on the lookout for warning signs like missing or curling shingles, granule loss on asphalt shingles, or damaged flashing. These can indicate future problems, even if they haven’t caused leaks yet.
   
   
3. Ventilation and Soffits: Proper attic ventilation is critical to a roof's longevity. A well-ventilated roof will prevent heat and moisture buildup, which can lead to curling shingles and even deck rot. Check the roof soffit and ridge vents to ensure they are in good condition.
   
   
4. Check for Past Repairs: Ask the seller if any repairs or upgrades have been made to the roof, including gutter hangers, flashing repairs, or roof replacements. Knowing the history can give you a better sense of how well the roof has been maintained.
   
   
5. Inspect Gutters: While gutters are often overlooked, they play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. Check if the gutters are properly attached with secure gutter hangers, and ensure they’re clear of debris. Gutters and roof repair often go hand in hand, as poorly maintained gutters can lead to roof damage over time.
   
   
6. Decking Inspection: During a professional roof inspection, make sure the roof decking is assessed. Decking a roof properly ensures the structural integrity of the entire system. Soft spots in the decking could signal hidden water damage or rot that may require repair.
   
   
7. Wind Damage: If you’re in an area prone to storms, check for wind damage roofing issues. Shingles may become loose or cracked, even if the roof appears intact from the ground. A professional inspection will help identify these subtle but important issues.
   
   
8. Look for Signs of Poor Drainage: Ensure water drains away from the home efficiently. Look for any signs of standing water near the foundation or roofline. Cleaning asphalt shingle roof surfaces and gutters regularly ensures good drainage and protects the roof and home from water damage.
   
   

Key Areas for Roof Inspection and Repair

1. Wind Damage Roofing: Severe weather conditions, such as storms and high winds, are becoming more frequent. Wind can loosen shingles, flashing, and even damage the roof deck. Inspecting for wind damage roofing issues after storms can help prevent leaks and costly repairs.
   
   
2. Curling Shingles on Roof: Shingles can begin to curl as they age, often due to moisture or improper installation. Curling shingles on roof may not seem like a big issue at first, but they can allow water to seep into the decking, causing further damage. If you notice curling, it’s time to call in a roofing professional to assess whether it’s time for a replacement.
   
   
3. Roof Soffit: Often overlooked, the roof soffit plays a critical role in ventilation and keeping moisture out of your attic. Damaged soffits can lead to mold growth or structural issues. Inspecting and maintaining your soffits ensures proper airflow and prevents long-term damage to the roof system.
   
   
4. Decking a Roof: The roof deck is the foundation on which your shingles sit. Decking a roof properly is crucial for supporting the shingles and maintaining the overall structure of your roof. If the decking is compromised due to water damage or age, it may need to be replaced to prevent further issues.
   
   
5. Gutters and Roof Repair: Your gutters are another critical component of your roof system. Without functional gutters, water can overflow and damage the roof, siding, and even your foundation. Gutters and roof repair often go hand in hand, as ensuring proper water flow off your roof protects your home from water damage.
   
   
6. Gutter Hangers: Over time, gutter hangers can loosen, leading to sagging gutters that don’t drain water efficiently. Regularly inspecting and tightening or replacing gutter hangers can prevent water from pooling around your foundation or causing leaks in your roof system.
   
   

Why Regular Roof Maintenance is Essential

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your roof stays in top condition. Water damage from leaks, improper ventilation, or loose shingles can lead to costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. Here are some essential maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

• Cleaning Asphalt Shingle Roof: Cleaning asphalt shingle roof surfaces can help extend their lifespan by removing debris, moss, and algae. These elements trap moisture, which can degrade the shingles over time, leading to leaks.
• Inspect After Storms: After heavy rain or windstorms, always check for wind damage roofing issues or curling shingles on roof. Even if there aren’t any visible leaks, damage to the roof structure or shingles can result in future water intrusion.
• Check the Roof Soffit: Ensuring that your roof soffit is in good condition is critical for attic ventilation and moisture control. Damage to soffits can lead to mold, rot, and other structural issues.
• Maintain Gutters: Regularly inspect your gutters and ensure that the gutter hangers are secure. Properly functioning gutters direct water away from your home and help prevent gutters and roof repair issues down the line.
  
  

Why Roof Maintenance is More Important Than Ever

In today’s changing environment, with more frequent and severe storms, roof maintenance is no longer optional. The increase in storm activity means your roof is facing more wear and tear than ever before. Making sure that your roof system is secure and watertight helps protect your home from the number one enemy—water damage.

Ensuring that both your basement and roof are properly maintained will help safeguard your home for years to come. Don’t wait for visible damage to appear; regular inspections and maintenance can save you thousands in repair costs.

Contact Mattsson Roofing for Expert Roof Maintenance

If you’ve noticed any signs of curling shingles on roof, issues with your roof soffit, or if you’ve experienced recent wind damage roofing, it’s time to take action. At Mattsson Roofing, we specialize in decking a roof, cleaning asphalt shingle roof surfaces, and repairing gutters and roof systems to ensure your home remains watertight.

Call us today at 201.925.9709 or CLICK HERE to schedule an inspection or learn more about how we can help maintain your roof system. Don't wait until water damage occurs—protect your home now with regular roof maintenance and repair services from Mattsson Roofing - A Glen Rock, NJ Company.