A leaking roof isn’t just a pain in the neck it can also be costly, leading to more problems that can end up having you spending hundreds if not thousands in repairs. That’s why it’s so important that you perform routine maintenance to prevent those leaks from occurring.
Trust us, you would much rather take some simple steps for ensuring that your roof is in good shape than paying a roofing company in Omaha to come out to your house and perform those pricey repairs. Good maintenance helps to preserve the life of your roof and extend the life of all the components that work together for keeping your home dry and safe for you and your family.
So, let’s consider the five most important maintenance tips that will prevent your roof from leaking.
1. Clear Off the Debris
Roofs can collect all kinds of detritus and debris such as leaves, branches, sticks, and all kinds of other odds and ends. The problem is that when these fall on your roof they may not cause much in the way of damage when they first land but, over time, their presence on the roof can shift or break your shingles. When that happens, you are increasing your risk of all kinds of damage.
Even the tiniest crack or fracture in the shingles can expose your roof to water and wind damage. You may not even discover there is an issue until you’ve already incurred hundreds of dollars of damage.
2. Watch Your Roof Flashing
This is one of the most common areas where leaks occur in a roof. The flashing is any and all metal or vinyl materials that are utilized as a means for connecting your roof to a chimney, a skylight, a vent, and so on. If these junctions are compromised in any fashion, you are increasing the chances of water getting in through the flashing and soaking into your wood and drywall.
3. Clean the Gutters
The gutters of your home are there to move water away from your roof. So, the next time a huge storm hits your area, be sure the gutters are free and clear to expel the water that comes down on your roof. If the gutters are clogged, there is nowhere for the water to go and it will end up back on the roof. That can cause water damage if you have any damaged shingles.
4. Conduct Routine Inspections
The best way to find a problem is too look for it. But since you don’t spend a lot of time on your roof, you need to make an effort to go up there and check for any dislodged, damaged, or missing shingles. Look to see if there are any gaps or fractures in your caulk or sealant in the places where those materials are vital for keeping water out of your home.
5. Don’t Forget the Attic
The attic could be the main source of a leak in the home and not the roof. So be sure to give the attic a good long inspection as well. Too many homeowners ignore the attic and this is a mistake.