Six Smart Ways to Prevent Roof Leaks

May 24, 2010

Your home's roof is exposed to the elements year round, making it vulnerable to leakage over time. Like other areas of your home, the roof needs periodic maintenance. Following these roof maintenance tips may save you the headache of repairing a roof leak down the road.

Inspect the roof regularly, and thoroughly.

Regular inspection can help you spot a problem in your home's roofing before it becomes a leak. A safe way to conduct a roof inspection is to use a pair of binoculars and carefully inspect your roof from the ground. In addition to looking for leaks, check for signs of roof damage that could cause a leak, like curling or misaligned shingles.

Also inspect the attic space.

The best time to inspect the attic for leaks is during rainfall. Wait until the rain has been falling for at least thirty minutes, then thoroughly inspect the eaves, rafters, and corners of the attic for water drips or stains. Also check around the vents and plumbing pipes for any outside light coming into the attic. This may suggest less than perfect roof flashing, which could lead to a leak. Finally, check for moisture, mold, or wet insulation.

Remove tree branches growing near the roof.

One of the main reasons that roofing shingles become loose or misaligned is because of low hanging tree branches. You can't do anything about the weather your roof is exposed to, but you can remove nuisances like this that may compromise the lifespan of your roof. If you don't feel comfortable handling this job yourself, enlist professional help.

If necessary, have the roof flashing repaired or replaced.

Roof flashing, which is installed specifically to prevent roof leaks, can break down over time, or may not have been installed properly to begin with. As your roof is exposed to the elements, it naturally expands and contracts, which can cause the roof flashing to loosen over time. Because repairing or replacing roof flashing is an advanced job, it is usually recommended for homeowners to hire a professional roofer.

Act quickly if damage is evident.

A leaking roof should be treated as a home emergency. Roof leaks can cause serious damage to your home, but the faster you act, the more you may be able to minimize that damage.