Roofs are certainly the most ignored sections of our home. Most of us feel that roofs are going to last forever, thus we ignore their maintenance until the last moment when things have gone beyond control in the form of leakages, especially during heavy monsoons or winters. Roofing contractors would have used the best possible material during construction of roofs but constant exposure to wind, rain, snow, and sun slowly yet steadily deteriorates the roof structure causing leakage.
Sometimes shoddy workmanship of inexperienced roofing contractors can cause roof leakage, especially around the roof’s gutters, vents, flashing, and other features. The infiltration of water in our homes can cause damage to our home interiors, thus making it important for us to take precautionary measures to prevent roof leakage. If you, too, are looking for tips to prevent roof leakage, then here is some help at hand:
- It is rightly said that prevention is better than cure; therefore, regular inspection of your roof is the first important step toward preventing roof leakage. You should also notice the signs of the staining ceilings, which gives a clear indication that the quality of the roof has been compromised with. Presence of mildew around the chimneys, vents, and roof joints is also a sign of roof damage. Expert roofing contractors suggest that one must look at shrinking or curling shingles, which suggest that some component of your roof need replacement.
- Clean your roof every two years, especially if you have cedar shake roofs. This is because accumulated debris can rot during rains and cause fungus and algae to grow, which can damage your roof and cause it to leak. Chimneys also require a lot of maintenance. Depending on the type of chimney, you need to decide the maintenance procedure. If you have a brick chimney, then paint up the chimney cap immediately if you notice signs of rust
- All the pipes that are coming through your roof should be caulked with the help of a polymer sealant. Take the advice of your roofing contractor to select the best sealant, as the metal pipes contract and expand during different seasons and hence the sealant should also expand and contract.
Installing a proper ventilation system is another important tip to prevent roof leakage. A little bit of care will increase the longevity of your roof and save you precious dollars by protecting your home from water damages.
Photo via cpherm
