Most homeowners, unfortunately, wait to tackle the roof leakages when it’s too late. There hasn’t been a single homeowner who hasn’t experienced some sort of roof problem, but if you encounter roof leaks that could lead to far more severe house damages than you can possibly imagine. A roof leak is a problem that can cost an excruciating amount of money, and the worst-case scenario is that the damage can be perpetual as the minor drip from the ceiling can ruin the attic, paint, and insulation, and cause other bigger problems to arise. To help save time, nerves, and money, you ought to prevent roof leaks from happening. Discovering a roof might be tricky, but besides calling the professionals, there are a few pieces of expert advice you would incorporate to safe-keep your roof and keep it in top condition. Here are some actions you can follow to prevent roof leaks.
The missing or faulty shingles
Shingles and slates keep the roof glued and protected amongst other things, and a loss of a few shingles can be one of the reasons there are roof leaks. Unless you have all the shingles in their place, you risk water seeping through those exposed areas causing tremendous problems to the roof and house. Once you notice your ceiling has petite damp spots here and there after severe rainfall, you would know that there are some shingles being missed. To prevent any further damage to your house, you need to replace the missing or any damaged or faulty shingles the second you spot the problem. It would be advisable to prevent that from happening by regularly inspecting the roof, especially after rain.
Stop gutters to clog
In cities like Perth where there are numerous glorious trees, it’s no wonder that most homeowners have reported gutter clogging to be the source of house and roof leaks. Vents, gutter, and downpipes are open places in a roof where leaves and other unwanted debris such as tree branches, leaves, mold, dead animals, bird nests, and other items can easily clog the gutter and eventually damage the area around and cause leaks. The first thing you need to do is inspect the gutters for clogs the moment you spot a slow downspout of water, then climb on the ladder and clean the gutters. If the gutters already got damaged, then you should call gutter replacement service experts from Perth to have new gutters installed by professionals.
Don’t leave the roof unattended
As roofs are constantly being exposed to various weather conditions, it’s our job to inspect them once in a while to make sure no damage has been made. When you have an unattended roof, the chances are there would be roof leaks because you failed to inspect the roof for mold, debris, or pests. Regular roof maintenance is the most vital step in preventing roof leaks according to experts. The key is to inspect the roof after every heavy rainfall, mists, and frost. Shingles, sheathing, and framing can easily rot and deteriorate as they are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Don’t leave the roof unattended and perform regular maintenance checks every month or two even if there hasn’t been heavy rainfall.
Tackle flashing points, openings, and sealants
Flashing points refer to areas round chimneys, vents, and skylights that prevent water from dripping into your house, Those flashing points as well as any sealants and openings around chimneys and vent areas can get unfastened, corroded, rot, or broken over years causing leakages. Pilled-up ice and ice dams are the number one culprit because they can ruin the roof throughout the winter and penetrate the roof system and insulation without you noticing until it’s too late. The solution is to handle all flashing points, stop ice dams in time, adequately insulate the roof and ventilate the attic. Also, ensuring all openings are perfectly sealed and regular ice and snow cleanup is another way to reduce the risk of roof leaks
Conduct regular repair of plumbing vents and chimneys
Some of the most common rook leaks occur around plumbing vents that are used for regulating the air pressure in the house or for removing gas or other odors. If the plumbing vents are blocked or faulty, they can damage your rooftop, gather debris, and cause clogs that would result in roof leakage. Fix faulty vents, examine the rubber boot surrounding the plumbing pipe, and around the chimney, and look for the signs of rotten nails and shingles around the vents and chimney. Check whether there are any holes and loose flashing around the vents and drains, and aim to replace or repair anything that has caused the blockage.
Regularly trim branches around your roof, thoroughly clean the roof to remove mold, moss, and algae, inspect and unclog the gutters, and aim to replace lost, broken, or dated shingles. This expert advice will help you prevent roof leaks and prolong the lifespan of your home.
