A home is the biggest investment most people will ever make, which is why homeowners often go to great lengths to protect that investment. However, one of the more important components of safeguarding a home is also one of the most often ignored: the roof.
It’s tempting to devote more time and attention to more fashionable maintenance and upgrades like new kitchen appliances or trendy bathroom vanities. However, those improvements might lose much of their appeal if water begins dripping through the ceilings or mold starts growing in the walls.
When preparing for the colder weather of fall and winter, the top of your to-do list should include what’s on top of your house. Take the time to ensure your roof is up to the task of protecting everything and everyone it shelters beneath with these simple steps:
• Start by visually scanning the roof for any sagging or uneven areas, which can be signs of damage to the roof deck below the shingles.
• Clear the gutters of any branches, leaves or other debris that could clog downspouts. Hire one of our local professional gutter cleaners to do the job for you. Water or snow that’s left standing on the roof will increase the likelihood of leaking or ice damming, which can damage not only the roof, but the interior walls as well.
• Remove any debris from the valleys, including small branches and accumulating leaves, which can add weight to the roof and inhibit proper drainage.
• Check the positioning and the condition of the flashings, which are the thin pieces of material, often made of aluminum or other metals, used to prevent water seepage between joints and seams around vents, pipes, skylights and chimneys. When loosened or damaged by high winds and heavy rains, flashings can actually cause leaks rather than prevent them.
• Examine the condition of the shingles and repair or replace any that might be missing or damaged. Look for curling edges or missing granules.
Inspecting your roof at least twice a year (before and after winter) by following these steps will help you identify potential problems before they result in costly repairs or even premature roof replacement.
If you notice signs of damage, contact one of our local roofing companies. Many will provide free repair estimates and can help you with the insurance claims if the damage was caused by one of the many storms we see in our area.
For additional homeowner resources including a list of professional gutter and roofing companies to help with any tasks, visit HBAGC.net.