Most leaks in the interior of the home come through damage from your roof, and finding the source of the leak can be more challenging than you expect. Preventing a leaky roof saves you time, aggravation and a lot of money in the future. To prevent water damage inside your home, inspect your roof regularly; unfortunately, most homeowners avoid this simple maintenance procedure. There are many possible ways for easy prevention of a leaking roof. The following are tips to take to make sure you’re stopping leaks before they happen.
Vulnerable Spots
Leaks happen more often in weak spots. These areas usually have an opening or seam. Other susceptible places occur where water tends to collect. Special materials such as flashing and membranes protect these vulnerable areas. But these materials sometimes become damaged with severe weather, heavy snow, animals and insects. You should regularly inspect the following areas for damage.
- Protruding objects—Protruding objects can include vents, chimneys, cables and skylights.
- Peaks/Ridges—Peaks/ridges are the top edges where two slopes meet.
- Valleys—Valleys are where the bottom or side edges of two slopes meet.
- Drip Edge—You find the drip edge at the ends of your roof. The drip edge encourages water to flow off of the roof instead of back into fascia (the material that covers the end of the rafters).
- Gutters—Gutters run along under the drip edge. They catch water from the roof and carry it from the house.
- Shingles—Shingles protect the roof. However, wind or hail may damage shingles. Damaged shingles lose their ability to protect the roof.
- Attic—Sometimes problems inside the house come from an improperly ventilated attic.
Look for damage
Check flashing around protruding objects. Ensure proper installation. Also, check the protruding items themselves. Check chimneys for cracks in the bricks or mortar. Check vents and skylights for damage. Ensure calk is in good condition. Sometimes debris gets caught in valleys on the roof. Keep these areas clear so water can properly move off the house. Check the membrane under ridges for deterioration.
Sometimes severe storms damage or move the drip edge. Without a drip edge rain driven by the wind enters the space between the fascia board, and the deck of the roof. The drip edge also prevents rodents from entering the attic. Closely inspect the entire edge to ensure it works properly. Water pours directly into the gutter with a properly angled drip edge.
Properly maintained gutters are a home owner’s best friend. They protect the house and foundation from water damage. However, when not properly maintained they cause many leaking problems. One of the most common causes of leaking roofs in the winter is from melting ice. Ice will often dam at the edges when gutters are blocked. When leaves, nests, and other debris fills the gutters, water gets stuck. It then backs up to the roof or over the side. Gutters need more maintenance than any other roofing material. Clean out gutters every spring and fall to prevent clogs and backups. Make sure water properly moves through your gutter system.
Check shingles for damage from wind and hail; especially right after a storm. Hail removes some of the protective crystals from asphalt shingles. It can also break other types of roofing materials. Severe wind can potentially loosen shingles; especially when improperly installed.
Also, check your attic for signs of moisture. Hot air rises to the attic. When it is not ventilating properly, it can cause moist air to condense and then drip back into the house. Look for algae stains, mold, soaked insulation, and rust around nails. Check vents for clogging issues.
Repair and reinforce to Prevent Roof Leaks
By taking these steps, you will stop the potential of a serious problem in a significant way. When you catch a problem early you will be able to save your home from serious damage. Regular inspection of your roof saves you money from costly water damage repairs to your property. This enables you to identify potential problems preventing roof leaks. Repairing any damage needs to be done properly to prevent water from leaking through your repair. When you notice a problem, contact Specialty Home Products. We will come out and fix the damage before it becomes a big problem. Call us to do inspections so you don’t have too. Our roof specialists will be able to help prevent roof leaks in your home. We service both residential and commercial buildings.