Help Stop Roof Leaks Before They Start
As a homeowner, you have a variety of annual maintenance tasks.
You’ll have to hire a technician to inspect, clean, and repair your HVAC annually, a plumber to flush your water heater, and of course, a roofing specialist to inspect and maintain your roof.
Unfortunately, while most people are well aware of the first two annual maintenance tasks, many fail to perform the third.
Certainly your roof comes with a warranty; asphalt shingles are generally guaranteed for twenty years while slate could come with a warranty of up to a hundred.
The problem is that a warranty isn’t going to prevent leaks, even if it will pay for repairs after the fact.
You need to do your part to protect your home and keep it secure against the elements.
After all, a leak damages more than just your roof. If could also seep down through your home, causing warping, rot, mold, foundation problems, and even serious structural issues over time if left untreated.
In short, it could become a far more expensive problem than a simple roof repair. You need to catch leaks early, or better yet, prevent them entirely.
When you hire professionals for an annual inspection, maintenance, and roof repair in Boise, you’ll ensure a longer lasting roof, and prevent possible major costs from water damage.
There are also simple preventive measures you can take on your own.
5 Simple Tips to Help Prevent Roof Leaks:
1.) Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Rain gutters and downspouts should be cleaned annually.
With little more than a ladder, some gloves, and a hose you can clear away sticks, leaves, and other debris that have been blown in by seasonal storms.
It’s important to do this before winter weather hits.
The last thing you want is water, snow, and ice backing up onto roofing and causing damages and leaks.
A clear system of gutters and downspouts ensures that rain and snow can be safely funneled off your roof and away from your house.
If this job looks to be more than you want to do yourself, there are gutter cleaning services you can hire to do this for you.
2.) Look for Obvious Issues
Mainly, you want to look for missing or damaged shingles, shingles that are starting to curl or peel, or tiles that are loose or cracked.
Many homeowners simply don’t think to visually inspect their roof.
Just taking the time to do this can help prevent major water damage issues to your home.
3.) Check the Flashing
Flashing is a seal that goes around chimneys, vents, skylights, etc. to ensure that water doesn’t get in around these high leak risk areas.
Flashing can begin to deteriorate or peel over time with exposure to the elements.
Your flashing may need repair or replacement before other parts of your roof, such as shingles.
4.) Watch for Seasonal Problems
Living in the Boise and Twin Falls areas, we experiences inclement winter weather.
You’ll want to watch for problems inherent to rough storms. For example, you’ll want to watch for ice dams that can form on the edge of the roof as water freezes.
Ice dams form when heat escaping through the roof melts snow, causing it to run off toward the edge of the roof where it subsequently freezes, forming a lip that prevents further runoff and continues to build.
If it grows too heavy, it could put strain on your roof and even cause a collapse.
But the ice dam will also cause water to back up under your shingles and cause leakage/water damage beneath.
Watch for roofing issues during harsh winter weather and harsh summer storms.
5.) Inspect the Attic
Even if the exterior of your roof looks like it’s in great shape, the only way to ensure there are no leaks is to get in the attic.
Look for signs of a trouble such as moisture, staining, mold, and rot.
An attic inspection should be performed at least once per year or even more frequently if we’ve had a severe storms.
Would you like a free roofing inspection?
Rocky Mountain Exteriors is a #1 rated professional roofing contractor in Boise and Twin Falls.
We offer free roofing inspections to go over all of the areas above, and over 15 other items. You’ll receive a complete report of any roofing issues you may have, and how to repair them. Absolutely free and with no obligation 
Get a free roof inspection today! Call: (208) 955-6818
The post 5 Simple Roof Maintenance Tips to Help Prevent Leaks appeared first on Rocky Mountain Exteriors.
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