There’s no hiding from Mother Nature once the rainy season rolls around. Besides placing your rain boots and umbrella near the doorway for easy access, you also have to prep your home for the forthcoming rainfall. Most importantly, you need to proactively prepare your roof, performing an inspection and repairing any issues before a potential downpour hits. By doing so, you’ll be safeguarding your biggest investment (your home) from being vulnerable to damages.
Stated by a Dallas roofing company, just like your car, if you want your roof to perform at its best, then you’ll need to do a little periodic upkeep. Maintenance checks allow you to identify any problem areas that may need repairs. The goal is to locate minor issues in their early stages before they burgeon into thousands of dollars of unwanted damage.
So, where do you start? We’ve put together a quick guide to give you some insight on what to look out for. Afterall, you want to protect the value of your roofing investment, right?
Check Your Gutters & Downspouts
The first – not to mention highly important – task on your list is to clear away leaves and debris from your gutters and ensure there’s no buildup preventing your downspouts from flowing freely. The reason why it’s so vital to clean out your gutters is to prevent water backup and ultimately damage to your sheathing, rafters, and interior of your building. Water stains on your ceiling and walls is not something you want to come home to after a long day at work – especially with the chance that it’ll lead to the infestation of mold.
Clean Debris from Your Roof
Debris can easily accumulate on the top of your roof as well. Make sure these are cleared away. On a flat roof, clogged drains can result in major leaking and even the possibility of a full roof collapse – all because the water is unable to drain correctly. For homes with sloped roofs, pay special attention to skylights, valleys, and chimneys as these areas can hinder water runoff as well.
Check Vent & Pipe Flashings
Missing parts = not a happy ending. Always ensure the flashings are in solid shape and the sealant is strong and unobstructed. With time, sealant often loses its elasticity and becomes dried out. When your vents and pipes expand and contract during fluctuations in temperature, the sealant can become damaged – creating small openings where water can wiggle its way in between the pipe and flashing.
Look for Damages & Deterioration
Shingle roofs should always be examined to ensure there are no damaged or missing shingles. For homeowners with tile roofs, you’ll want to inspect the area for any tiles that may be cracked or missing altogether. These issues should be repaired immediately to avoid any costly and unwanted damages to your home.
Just imagine the hassle – not to mention burden on your bank account – that can transpire from ignoring the maintenance needs of your roof. Just picture how damages from a leaky roof will harm precious interior belongings or cause a slew of angry tenants. Prior to the start of the rainy season, it’s highly recommended to schedule a professional inspection of your roof to ensure all your bases are covered.
