How to Prevent Roof Leaks with Upgrades and Maintenance
Leaks are one of the most common issues why people call roofing professionals. The biggest issue about leaks is that they are only noticed after they caused significant damage, so they are very costly for homeowners. To avoid all the damage to your home, keep your roof leak-free with regular maintenance and upgrades:
Be a busy inspector
Locating leaks is not easy, since they rarely align with water damage. Your safest bet is to find the path of the water and locate the source of the leak that way. Create a good roof maintenance plan, but it usually starts with a professional inspection to ensure your roof is in good condition before you take over.
Pay attention to your attic
What do you think about your attic causing the leaks? Not many people take this into consideration, but it can happen more often than you think. Attic ventilation is usually to blame since parts of ventilation (especially soffit vents, louvers, and ridge vents) can get blocked which can lead to moisture and heat buildup. Also, if you have mold in the attic, it’s basically a sure sign of leaks and moisture. Mold can easily spread, cause damage to plywood, and rust around nails in your attic and roof structure.
Check the drip edge
Drip edge is what keeps the water away from the roof and fascia. Make sure to inspect this part and pay special attention to missing drip edges. Gaps will leave space where the water can get in, cause wood to rot, and even get into your interior and ceiling. Also, these gaps can be inviting for insects and other animals, so make sure your drip edges are all safely in place.
Check out your roof’s flashing
Roof flashing is also commonly responsible for leaks. Flashing on the roof includes all metal (sometimes vinyl) pieces used to connect different parts of the roof like chimneys, skylights, vents, joints between wall and roof, etc. When inspecting the flashing, see whether it’s loose, bent, or damaged in any way. Another important thing when getting up there is to think about your own safety. If you want to introduce a serious roof maintenance schedule, it’s best to invest in quality roof anchors that will keep you safely on the roof as you inspect the damage. Height safety should always be your priority.
Inspect the gutters
Gutters and downspouts are also very important if you want to have a dry and safe home. They play a crucial role in preventing water damage, so you should inspect them regularly and get them cleaned at least twice a year. Gutters are sensitive to leaves, dirt, branches, and other debris, so you should clean them to maximize their lifespan and effectiveness. Also, make sure they are properly fastened, angled, and secured to your roof and home’s exterior. Every home should have a roofing inspection to prevent major damages.
Trim your greenery
Trees that hand over your roof and trees and other greenery that’s close to your façade can pose a big risk for your water safety. The issue with large trees that overhang your roof is the fact they create damp areas perfect for moss and mold growth. They can also scratch the roofing and even puncture it during wild weather. Also, large trees leave more debris build-up in your gutters, which also boosts the chances of developing clogged gutters. Luckily, you can easily trim back the branches or even remove problematic greenery to maximize the lifespan of your roof and gutters and keep your interior safe from leaks in the long run.
Roof maintenance is not an easy job, but it will definitely pay off. Your interior will be safe and comfortable, and you will save a lot of money on damage control and renovations due to water damage.
