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Maintaining
The Roof
Roof
damage can be an expensive affair. Here
are four things you can do to maintain your
roofing system. Save this list for a once a year checkup.
1. Check the roof surface for
loose, damaged, or
missing shingles. 
Also check between the
tabs on asphalt as
granules wear off here first and
cause leaks — even when the rest of the
roof looks good. Older slate roofs should
be inspected and maintained annually
by a professional roofer. The
normal life expectancy of a cedar wood roof is approximately
20-40 years, depending on
the quality of the cedar, slope of the roof, and quality and
frequency of protection.
Other wood shingles last 15-20 years.
2. Inspect flashings at vents,
chimneys, and roof valleys for tight seal or defects.
Repair, reseal, or protect all flashings periodically.
3. Check trims, soffits, facias, and barge boards for paint
failure or deterioration.
4. Gutters, gutter-strainers, and downspouts should be cleaned
of leaves and debris periodically.
When gutters and downspouts become blocked, overflowing water
finds its way into the
facias, soffits, roof, and roof sheathing. This problem is the
major cause of paint
failure and decay in soffits and facias. Most gutters require
regular maintenance. All
joints should be checked and resealed if they show the
smallest sign of leakage. Galvanized
guttering generally requires regular painting or spot
painting. Underground downspouts
should be checked and kept clean as clogging could cause water
in the basement.
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Life Expectancies
 These
ranges should give
you a good idea
of average life
expectancies of
equipment and
materials commonly
used in residential
housing. Maintenance
(or lack of maintenance)
will alter life expectancies.
Normal maintenance is assumed
with these ranges. No guarantee or warranties
are expressed or implied.
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Water service
(public)
Years
Lead
50 to 90
Steel
40 to 75
Copper
At least 70
Plastic (should
be
dependable)
unknown
Interior water pipe
Steel
1/2"
40 to 60
Copper
1/2"
70 to 100
Plastic (should
be
dependable)
unknown
Drainage lines
Galvanized
steel
40 to 60
Copper
60 to 100
Cast
iron
50 to 90
Plastic (P.V.C.)
At least 35
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