It is said that a well built home requires a strong foundation. While that is true, it’s critical for Columbus homeowners and would-be ones to remember the equally vital crowning part: the roof.

Exterior walls and basements can be constructed to withstand hurricane-force winds, keep out the worst of winter’s cold, or resist an assortment of summer molds, rot and infestations, but a home without a top-notch roof will flounder. It’s just that simple.

In the last decade, it seems, more and more homeowners have gotten the message. Data gathered by Ace Hardware indicates that the do-it-yourself (DIY) industry—particularly the home improvement marketplace—has grown by $50 billion in the last decade, a 28% increase. While some of that surge reflects a still-struggling economy where cash-strapped residents are looking to save a buck, the data also reflects the “weekend warrior” spirit of many homeowners in Columbus, roofing work included. Put another way, bear market or bull market, Americans love to tinker and get great satisfaction from doing something on Referral own.

Thankfully, with proper research and a little time and care, do-it-yourself roof maintenance can be easy, and not to mention, fun.

Step 1: Get the Ladder: Your Columbus Roofing Survey

As is common with any form of maintenance, the first step is often a visual survey of your roof. At this point, your total expense is no more than a ladder, a good pair of glasses, and a pen and pad to document what you see. Walk or visually inspect your Columbus roofing system, taking particular note of items like: warped, frayed, or lost shingles, darkened, discolored areas, (that may contain the invasive roof mold, Gloeocapsa Magma), overhanging trees, and any pooled water or places where such pooling seems likely. Also observe roof and gutter debris. Often times the easiest roof maintenance is a matter of simply cleaning your roof and removing obstacles to natural moisture drainage.

Step 2: Back Down On the Ground: An Inspection of Your Columbus Home

Once you’ve completed the rooftop survey, the next step is back on the ground and inside your home. Carefully observe areas where water runoff accumulates. Fallen branches, twigs, and collections of leaves can also indicate where trees could fall on your roof and then land on your property, causing more damage. Black streaks coming off your roof and discolored siding can be yet another indication of roof mold – a type of fungus that often forms on north-facing exposures that have the right amount of humidity, shade, and yes, food. The limestone used in certain shingles for stability and durability can be a fungus food source. Moderate neglect can lead to a decrease in your home’s insolating properties, meaning higher heating and cooling costs, whereas long-term avoidance can spell roof disaster.

Inside your home is just as critical. Check for water leaks just as you did outside. Physically feel for dampness if you see any type of warping, discoloration or other damage. Typical roof maintenance costs, on average, $500 a year. If you’ve done your homework (that is, inspect your roof twice a year; once during spring and again in early fall), you’ll be saving money in the long run as a full replacement of your Columbus roofing system or major repair to the aluminum, wood, and foam that lies underneath your roofs’ protective exterior can cost upward of $5,000 or more. Additionally, even a roof that hasn’t failed, but is nearing the end of its usefulness, can be a turnoff for a potential buyer. With the glut of Columbus houses that remain unsold on the market today, it’s essential that prospective buyers are seeing your house at its tip-top best. Why not show that you have the best home in Columbus? Roofing is where it starts!

Step 3: Time to Fix It: Your Columbus Roofing Repair

Now, onto the repairs. In many cases, especially if you’ve followed this roof maintenance prescription before, all that will be needed is: gutter repair/replacement, tree trimming of low-hanging branches/the removal of dead or dying trees, the replacement of the odd shingle or two, (which can easily be purchased at most big box home maintenance stores), and a low-pressure water/chemical wash to remove mold. It’s important to repeat the need for low-pressure. Think about it; does your dentist power wash your teeth? No. A dentist performs a slow, methodical cleaning as he brushes and polishes your teeth. The same rule applies to your Columbus roofing work. Too often, unscrupulous Columbus roofing companies or ill-informed do-it-yourselfers, get a little too gung-ho.

Of course, after the initial—and free—step of inspection and observation, some homeowners may still find themselves a bit overwhelmed. If shoveling snow or the once-annual planting of landscape greenery is the most that your typical “weekend warrior” work entails, then don’t worry. There are, after all, Columbus roofing professionals who can pick up where you left off. But, by at least beginning the process you are: learning more about the nature of your roof, becoming more self-reliant, and hopefully having some fun breaking a sweat in the process.

Columbus Roofing Experts, Able Roofing

Did you know that according to federal research, barely 35% of roofs in the U.S. reach Referral expected lifespan? With a little DIY spirit and elbow grease, along with a trusted Columbus roofing company, you can avoid the 65% of people who wished they had taken preventative roof maintenance steps seriously. Our Columbus roofing contractors will be happy to answer all of your questions, offering you a free estimate and free roof inspection.

If your roof requires the expertise of a professional Columbus roofing contractor, contact Able Roofing at 1-614-444-ROOF.

Able Roofing provides quality residential and commercial roofing services to Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding areas. Our Columbus roofing contractors are skilled in roof maintenance, inspection, installation, restoration, repair, roof replacement (re-roofing), and more. Click to learn more about Columbus roofing.