How to Inspect Your Roof to Prevent Leaks

Roof replacement is a big project that costs a considerable amount of money and preparation time. If you’re lucky, you never have to replace a roof in your lifetime, but on average, a homeowner will have to go through it at least once.

However, you can protect your roof from expensive damage or premature replacement. Here are a few tips on how to do that, from your exterior remodeling contractor.

Inspect Your Roof Often

Most people would agree that inspecting your roof at least twice a year is often enough. However, if you want to avoid costly repairs, inspect your roof at least every turn of the season. The critical periods are before and after winter. Snow and hail are the most damaging elements for your roof.

Replace Any Missing Shingles

Just because your roof isn’t leaking despite the absence of one or more shingles doesn’t mean it never will. Missing or damaged shingles will eventually lead to leaks. Replace broken or missing shingles immediately. You can call a professional for a residential roofing service.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Standing water in your gutters is the product of debris causing a clog in your gutters or downspouts. The longer and more often water remains in your gutters, the higher the chances of damage developing. Gutters and downspouts are there to catch water runoff from your roof when it rains or snows and carry it away from your home to prevent water damage. Broken or clogged gutters are practically useless.

If you’re uncomfortable doing the job, you can hire a professional gutter cleaner. Think about installing gutter protection, as well, to significantly reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutter system.

Inspect Flashings

Flashings are installed on areas of the roof where there are penetrations or joints. They are there to lend extra protection from water penetration in the weakest parts of your roof, such as the valley, around the chimney, etc. Check the flashings for signs of wear or damage, and replace any that are no longer flexible and intact.

Go Into Your Attic

You can’t always find problems when you look at your roof from the outside, so grab a flashlight and inspect your attic. Do this during the day. Look for tiny shafts of light coming through the roof. If you find any, you’re looking at holes, and your next step should be to call a roofer for repairs. 

Look for signs of leaks, as well, such as rotted wood, discolored sheetrock, moisture, mold, and clumped insulation. These are all signs of water penetration that should be addressed immediately.

Get in touch with Timberland Exteriors, a trusted home improvement company. We also offer hail storm damage restoration. You can also leave us a message here. Or you can also call us in Maplewood, MN 651-439-1760 or in Detroit Lakes, MN (218) 849-6675. Let’s talk about your project in Minnesota.