With the monsoon season finally under way, there are a few things one can do to ensure a strong roof and keep leaks at a minimum.
James DeVore, owner of Shamrock Roofing, a company based in Tempe, said being proactive and not reactive is one of the most important strategies to keep in mind. He said always pay attention to the roof and check on a consistent basis.
Some homeowners don’t check often enough and, when the time comes for roof work, there is extensive damage, DeVore said. Routinely paying attention to the condition of the roof can save money and reduce the chances of major damage.
“They usually think about that too late,” DeVore said. “The problem with the roof in general is, for a lot of people, it’s out of sight, out of mind. When you get into roofs, that’s totally the case. Some people don’t see (damage occurring). They don’t think about it.”
DeVore said some wait too long and in the end find themselves paying more for roof work. In this case, the term “better late than never” does not apply.
DeVore said clearing any debris from the roof also helps preserve it.
“One thing you can do is allow the water to escape the roof cleanly,” he said. “When there’s stuff on the roof it creates a dam. It (makes water flow horizontally, instead of vertically) and water can go into your house.”
According to the Tempe Fire Department, several Tempe homes and businesses with flat roofs experience collapses each year that result in thousands of dollars of damage. Replacing a roof after such damage can cost $7,500-$11,000, DeVore said.
DeVore said another thing one can do is check the closets, bathrooms, pantries and garage for leaks. He said leaks can go undetected for a long time in spaces such as these.
“Because when you get in there, you normally don’t look up,” he said. “They might have had a small rain where it’s leaking and there’s also an opportunity for mold.”
DeVore, a licensed and insured contractor, has a considerable amount of experience. He has been in the roofing business for 26 years and works in neighborhoods all over the Valley. He said he enjoys the physical aspect, but visiting different neighborhoods and meeting different people is his favorite part of the job.
“I’ve enjoyed being in neighborhoods,” he said. “You get to meet a lot of people. (The thrill is) being out in the elements. I like that as opposed to being indoors. It’s kind of a unique job. It’s different than a lot of other jobs.”
He said he enjoys the challenge of dissecting problems and correcting them. Every day holds a new obstacle, a new problem to solve.
DeVore said he constantly encourages his customers to be proactive and take precautionary measures. He said one of the most important parts of a home is its roof. It’s the covering of the home, and individuals should do whatever they can to protect it.
“Don’t forget about the thing that’s protecting everything you own,” he said. “(A damaged roof) is like your money in a bank that doesn’t have a good lock on it.”
