Keeping your roof in
top operating condition requires a little maintenance each year. The small
amount of time and energy spent can save you thousands of dollars in repairs
from a major water leak into the home. Below are four important tips to
consider when inspecting and maintaining your roof.
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Inspect the Attic for
Signs of Leaks
The attic will offer
the first clues that there are leaks in the roof. Look for holes made by
roofing nails, areas of insulation that have gotten wet and any mold growth.
For better results, do the inspection during a heavy rain. You can also have
someone spray water up on the roof using a garden hose. If you do see drips of
water, follow the trail to see where it is coming in at. Water can enter in one
area and run down beams to another area of the attic.
Check Gutters and
Downspouts
The gutters and
downspouts are designed and placed to move large amounts of water down off the
roof and away from the building. The wind from storms and heavy rain can cause
a lot of leaves and small branches to clutter the roof. They may disappear from
view as quickly as they appeared. You might be hopeful that they blew away, but
chances are a large number of them probably made their way down into the
gutters. This can lead to a clog. Blockages are easy to spot during rainstorms.
Water will begin pouring off the side of the roof in areas. These clogs will
have to be physically removed. Check these areas twice a year and make sure
they stay free-flowing.
Maintain the Drip Edge
A drip edge is a
material that runs the perimeter of the roof edge. Missing pieces can result in
wind-driven rain accessing areas of the roof and eaves, rotting the wood.
Replacing wood in these areas has to be done by a professional and can be
expensive. It is easier to simply maintain the drip edge and keep these areas
dry.
Vents and Chimneys
Items that come up
through the roof leave areas that are vulnerable to water intrusion. Vents and
chimneys are the most common. Thin sheets of metal called flashing are
typically attached around the perimeter as a water barrier. Failure in the
flashing attachment leads to major leaks. Check these areas and use a sealant,
or replace the flashing if it appears weathered and worn.
Contact roofing
specialists like South Shore Roofers for all of your roofing Hanover MA
maintenance needs today!
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