Protecting Your Roof Against Summer Downpours
As the economy has slowed significantly in recent years, many home and business owners have neglected the general maintenance and upkeep of their properties. Among the most forgotten areas is the roof, as it’s easy to push a little ceiling leak out of your mind when the weather is beautiful. However, doing so can be a huge mistake as heavy rains can transform trouble areas into major structural damage.
Being Northern Virginia’s leading roofing installers, Style Roofing warns all property owners: even though the tiles on your roof will last forever, the underlayment (the moisture barrier applied over the roof sheathing) will not. It is the underlayment that truly keeps precipitation out and acts as your real roof—the concrete or clay tile on top is just decoration. Because it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your roofing system is prepared for the elements year-round, Style Roofing has compiled the following tips:
- Start with the Trees
To protect one’s property, it’s always a good idea to start with the trees surrounding it. Some branches may need to be removed while others can be thinned out so the wind blows through instead of knocking them around. During a large storm, it’s possible for big branches (or even entire trees) to be break off and land on top of a property, potentially causing significant structural damage and a big mess. Prevent this from happening by keeping a close eye on trees surrounding your property, particularly those that are located close to it.
- Remove All Debris
Although organic debris on your roof (leaves, twigs, branches, dead birds, etc.) may seem harmless enough, each will eventually decompose and eat away at your roofing. Look for organic debris in particularly troublesome areas, such as the valleys between interconnecting roof planes. Gutters and scuppers should also be free from debris to ensure water flows freely from the roof away from the property.
- Re-caulking Penetrated Areas
While your roof may seem sturdy, it’s important to re-caulk the areas penetrated by installation every five years—specifically, the exhaust pipes for the kitchen, bath fans, and the fireplace chimney. Sometimes, the spot where an air conditioner was added to the roof can also be included in this list. Because the caulking in these areas tend to dry out and disintegrate over time in warmer climates, it’s possible for rain to seep through the opened cracks and into your home. By making sure that the caulk holding these spaces together is fresh and without any holes, you can prevent precipitation from causing structural and internal damage to your property.
When it comes to the roofing system, it’s important to be honest with oneself—if you haven’t had any work done on your roof within 10 years; the chances are good that you’re due for some upkeep and repairs. While these do-it-yourself tips outlined above are a great place to start, it’s always the best idea to retain a licensed roofing contractor for assistance. These are the people that can not only identify problematic areas, but also ensure that they’re fixed correctly the first time—saving you time, money, and your beautiful home!
