A roof leak will have you up at night when it rains. There isn’t anything worse than that. Well, maybe there is, but roof leaks are pretty bad and expensive. They tend to reveal themselves to homeowners when a lot of the damage has been done already. You can prevent them before they happen by following the simple tips below.
- Do not block ventilation – proper ventilation is essential in ensuring the durability of a roof system that also includes the structural system that supports the roof. Make sure the roof is well ventilated to prevent the incursion of moisture which reduces roofing material life.
- Inspect the roof regularly – hire a trained professional who has the expertise in seeing the danger spots that you might have otherwise missed. They report these spots early thus saving you money that would have been used in repairing a roof leak.
- Maintain an appropriate distance between trees and your home – tall trees and bushes may be a risk factor in the occurrence of roof leaks. They may lead to clogged gutters, damage to roof tiles and rot from falling limbs and leaves. Therefore, you can cut the parts of trees that are over your home or you can remove any bushes and trees around your home.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts – debris fills up gutters and downspouts causing water to flow back up under the roof shingles. Water damage and leaks are what results from this, therefore, keep your gutters and downspouts clear from debris whilst maintaining them from time to time.
- Maintain tight roof flashings – pay attention to your roof’s flashings. The need to be good and tight around vents, wall/roof junctions, skylights, and chimneys. This will prevent water from entering your home and causing damage to your electrical system, ceilings, walls, and insulation.
