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How to Prevent Damage
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and just like everything else you own and depend on, that precious cover over your head requires regular roof maintenance and seasonal care.
Before and after every winter, or following any major storm event, you should have your roof inspected to identify any damage that could lead to even greater damage later on―water damage can cause serious structural damage and jeopardize the indoor air quality in your home. Knowing what to do to prevent roof leaks and protect your roof will increase its effectiveness against the elements.
Here are some things you can do for roof maintenance (your roof will thank you later)!
Tip #1: Clear the rain gutters before the first major cold spell.
It’s important to keep the gutters clear to allow the snowmelt to drain completely from the roof. You might not get all the fallen leaves before the first good storm, but the more you can do before then will make subsequent cleaning just that much easier.
Blocked drains can leave reservoirs in your gutters that might freeze into heavy, 10-foot long chunks of ice, which, because of their weight, could cause your gutters to separate from the fascia (the board to which the rain gutters are fastened). Which brings us to…
Tip #2: At the end of winter, check for any damage that might have occurred to your gutters because of cold and ice.
Wind storms and hurricanes have come more frequently these past years, packed with all the power to shred your shingles or even strip them entirely from the roof and deposit them into the next county.
Hail is also a major menace. Balls of ice that slam at high speed onto your roof can crack or dislodge shingles, and can dent and permanently damage flashing. Too much hail buildup in the gutters can also create enough weight to separate them from the fascia.
While storm damage is inevitable during a major storm, the best advice anyone can give you about protecting your roof from damage and preventing leaks is to make sure to get any roof maintenance done properly and in good condition.
Tip #3: Inspect your roof after big storms.
It is wise to have your roof checked by professionals for damage after a storm because even minor damage is something to take seriously. To avoid climbing on the roof yourself, go with a reputable roofing company that uses high-quality materials and provides outstanding workmanship.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind while performing roof maintenance to prevent damage to your home:
- Ensure all shingles are intact and are in good shape.
- Check the flashing around all vents, chimneys, and skylights.
- Check that all joints are still properly covered and sealed.
- Keep your trees trimmed, with no limbs touching the roof.
- Sweep off any collected debris.
Roof damage almost always means leaks. Water intrusion into your home can create mold problems and algae growth, which is difficult to mitigate and can create health issues, which means preventing roof leaks is very important for the safety of your home.
Attics can be scary places for some, but it’s important to also inspect your roof from the inside. Look for discolorations in the wood beams and in the wood around vents and other features that protrude through the roof.
Check the walls to determine whether drips have begun to occur. If you find indications of water intrusion, call a professional immediately. The longer you wait to repair roof damage, the bigger the risk that more costly damage will occur. To learn more about getting regular roof maintenance, or for a free roof inspection, contact Sands Roofing & Construction. We’re a trusted local roofing company serving the Lexington, SC, area. We’re here to help!
