Want to protect your biggest investment?
If you own a home, it’s probably your largest asset. But most homeowners neglect one very important thing…
Preventative maintenance.
Without preventative care and regular inspections, minor wear and tear turns into costly problems. Even worse, your curb appeal and property value plummet once neglect sets in.
Don’t worry, there’s a solution…
Creating a preventative maintenance plan for your home is free, easy, and pays HUGE dividends down the road.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Preventative Maintenance Overview
- The Cost of Neglecting Your Roof
- Roof Maintenance That Protects Your Home’s Value
- Your Home Maintenance Schedule
Preventative Maintenance Overview
First things first: what exactly is preventative maintenance?
Put simply, preventative maintenance involves routinely caring for and inspecting your home’s most important systems before issues occur.
It’s like the saying about oil changes…
They’re cheaper than rebuilding your engine. Homes are no different.
Well-executed preventative maintenance lets homeowners dodge hefty emergency repair bills and keep their home in pristine condition. Most financial advisors recommend spending between 1-3% of your home’s value on maintenance and repairs each year.
Ouch. That can add up over time.
But wait until you see what deferred maintenance can do to your budget.
Don’t worry – we’ll show you how to stay on top of maintenance without breaking the bank.
For now, understand that roofing contractor services are a huge part of protecting your home. Your roof keeps you safe from the elements, prevents water intrusion, and stops further structural damage. Partnering with reliable roofing contractors in Puyallup can keep your home safe year after year.
Preventative maintenance allows homeowners to:
- Prevent costlier emergency repairs
- Prolong the overall lifespan of your home
- Keep your home’s value high
- Address minor issues before they become major
Simple enough, right? Let’s dive deeper.
The Cost of Neglecting Your Roof
How bad is neglecting your roof, really?
Well, consider this…
Recent industry research from Verisk Insurance showed that 38% of roofs across the U.S. have been determined to have moderate to major roofing issues. Roofs in poor or fair condition also experienced 60% higher loss costs than good roofs.
That’s a lot of risk for most homeowners.
Even worse? Roof problems can cause countless dollars of damage to the rest of your home. Water damage leads to mold, structural stress, insulation issues, and poor air quality. One small leak can turn into tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.
Roof Age
Believe it or not, the age of your roof greatly increases these risks. Properties with roof ages of over 20 years had three times as many wind or hail claims than any other age group. An older roof is more than an unsightly brown lawn.
It’s a financial liability.
Bi-annual inspections from professional roofing contractor services can help spot trouble before it becomes too severe. Are your shingles cracked? Does your flashing need repair? Is there moss build-up or damaged gutters? These are all problems that can be fixed with an early intervention.
Signs you may need to request maintenance or replacement services:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Water stains on your ceilings
- Granules in the gutters
- Sagging spots on your roof or visible daylight in your attic
- Rust or moss buildup
Think your roof will fix itself? Think again.
Roof Maintenance That Protects Your Home’s Value
Preventative maintenance is important, but not all maintenance tasks are created equal.
Some things simply pay off more than others.
Roof maintenance and replacement are at the top of that list.
That’s because roof replacement has been shown to net homeowners approximately 60% ROI after resale. A significant chunk of your roof project pays for itself when you sell.
Of course, the money you save on preventable repairs plays a factor too.
But here’s the real value added by keeping your roof in tip-top shape:
First impressions matter, and your roof is one of the first things people notice about your home. Sure, they may not look at your roof liner. But they see your roof whether you think they do or not.
Cleaning your gutters, repairing minor issues, and replacing your roof when necessary shows buyers you care about your home. You’ll inspire confidence that they aren’t just buying a house, but a home that has been well maintained.
What Does Professional Roof Maintenance Include?
Partnering with a roofing contractor that values your home as much as you do is key. But what do roofing services actually include?
- Inspections: Most roofing companies provide free inspections to locate potential problems. Annual inspections are ideal, but consider requesting a check after major storms.
- Repairs: From damaged shingles to faulty flashing and ventilation, roofing services can take care of any issue.
- Cleaning: Debris, moss, and algae buildup can decrease your roof’s lifespan. Keep your roof clean between major services.
- Replacement: Like any homeowner, you’ll eventually reach a point where replacement is a smarter financial decision than repair. Don’t be afraid to request quotes or start preparing for the future.
Keep these attributes in mind when searching for quality roofing contractor services.
Home Maintenance Schedule
You know preventative maintenance is important, and you know what needs maintained. So what’s left?
Implementing a plan that you’ll actually follow.
Think about it…
Your home maintenance plan is worthless if you don’t execute it. Missing a season of inspections here or there isn’t the end of the world. But you should at least have a plan.
Here’s an easy way to remember your maintenance tasks.
Break it down by season.
Spring and fall are great for general inspections. Summer is an ideal time for larger projects that may take more than a day. Wintertime is the season of planning and preparation.
Your Home Maintenance Schedule
Spring:
- Inspect your roof for winter damage
- Clear out your gutters and downspouts
- Ensure attic ventilation is still effective
- Check for signs of water damage
Fall:
- Remove leaves/debris from your roof and gutters
- Reinspect flashings around chimneys and vents
- Schedule your annual roof inspection
- Prepare your roof for heavy winter storms
All Year:
- Check your ceilings for water stains
- Trim back tree branches near your home
- Don’t ignore minor repairs
Before you know it, these tips will become habit. When that happens, your expensive problems will begin to vanish.
Bringing It All Together
Let’s wrap it up…
Ideally, preventative maintenance should be the foundation of your homeownership. Cosmetic improvements and renovations are great. After all, you want to enjoy living in your home too!
But if you don’t maintain that home properly, you’re throwing your money away.
By spending a small amount now on inspections, maintenance, and quality roofing contractor services, you set yourself up for success in the future. Don’t let pricey emergency repairs and replacement projects catch you off guard.
Remember…
- Aim to spend 1-3% of your home’s value on yearly maintenance.
- Keep up with regular roof inspections, especially after severe storms.
- Fix the little things. They’ll only get worse.
- Stay proactive and work with professionals who share your goals.
You only get to buy your dream home once. Take care of it like it’s your dream and it will return the favor for years to come.
