A roof is your first line of defense from the weather. Keeping it in good condition is crucial to prevent damage to the inside of your home. Here are some of the things that you shouldn’t let happen to your roof:
Rotted and Rusted Flashing
Flashing that is starting to deteriorate can be a sign that your roof is about to fail. The purpose of flashing is to create a barrier between your roof and your siding. This flashing prevents the water from spilling underneath your siding. Water that is leaking into the walls can cause your siding and drywall to rot. This can contribute to mold growth. Replacing flashing as it ages serves to protect your home from this water intrusion.
Improperly Installed Gutters
Gutters need to drip away from your home. There are two reasons that your gutters would leach water back towards your roof. They are either clogged or they were improperly installed. It is important to check the angle of your gutter if you notice a problem after cleaning them out. This can cause the water to seep underneath the shingles. This will result in the underlayment rotting out. Your roof could collapse if there was a heavy load of snow. You can also get leaks inside your home.
Strange Noises from the Roof
Roofs that pop and creak can be cause for alarm. There may be an underlying condition. You could have structural issues. This can result in a roof collapse during a storm. You need to your roof inspected if you hear these kinds of noises. If you have access to your attic, check it out. Look to see if you notice any cracking in the wood beams. This could be a sign that your roof is too heavy for your home. This can result from dry rot, a heavy snow load, or some other condition.
Unchecked Storm Damage
High winds may have blown some of your shingles off your roof. This leaves your roof unprotected during future storms. After major storms, check to ensure that your roof is still in good condition. Consider hiring a roofing company to perform this inspection for you. They can get on the roof and check to make sure that you don’t have any other issues. It is a good idea to perform a yearly roof inspection. You don’t want to be surprised during the winter with an unexpected roof failure.
Maintaining your roof protects your home. Look out for warning signs that your roof is about to fail.
