When it comes to protecting your roof, one thing is certain: you never know what could cause damage. Anything from a heavy storm to an unexpected animal visitor can cause significant damage that may not be visible until it’s too late.
Here are some tips to take into consideration.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Having a reliable and experienced roofer inspect your roof for potential problem areas is an essential part of protecting your home from damage.
Here are some ways to ensure that you’re getting a thorough and accurate inspection:
- Make sure to hire a professional who is experienced in inspecting roofs and has good references.
- Ask to see the certifications that prove the roofer’s qualifications, as well as any insurance policies they carry.
- Have the inspector check all components of your rooftop, including the flashing, seals, gutters, insulation, chimney caps, vents, skylights and other openings.
- Pay close attention to any problem areas that are found during the inspection and discuss how these should be addressed with your roofer.
- Make sure you receive an inspection report detailing the condition of your roof so that you can keep track of any necessary repairs or maintenance in the future.
Regularly scheduling inspections by a qualified professional is a good way to ensure your roof remains in good condition for years to come. By taking this proactive approach toward maintenance, you can nip any potential problems in the bud before they require more expensive repair work.
Keep The Gutters And Downspouts Clean
When left unchecked, debris can accumulate in these systems and lead to overflow or blockages that can cause costly water damage. By taking steps to regularly maintain your gutters and downspouts, you can avoid costly water damage due to overflows or blockages and ensure that your rooftop remains in tip-top shape!
Watch For Any Loose Or Missing Shingles
Inspecting your roof for any loose or missing shingles is an important part of maintaining its integrity and preventing costly water damage. Loose or missing shingles can leave your roof vulnerable to leaks and other issues that could potentially cause serious damage.
Here are some tips on how to check for these potential problems:
- Visually inspect your roof from the ground, looking for any loose, cracked, lifted or missing shingles on the surface.
- Use binoculars to further inspect the roof if needed in order to get a closer look at any suspicious spots.
- If you’re comfortable doing so, use a ladder to access the rooftop and take a closer look at any areas that appear problematic from below.
- Have a qualified professional check for signs of wear and tear due to age, as well as hidden problems such as broken flashing or exposed nails that could lead to leakage down the line.
- Make sure you get any loose or missing shingles replaced immediately in order to prevent further deterioration of your rooftop and protect it from water damage.
Install Mesh Screens
Installing screens on skylights, chimneys and other openings that are accessible from outside the home can help protect your attic from damage caused by animals getting inside. While these openings can provide a nice source of natural light or ventilation, they can also be a point of entry for rats, raccoons, squirrels and other critters looking to make themselves at home in your attic. Here are some tips on how to protect your home from animal intrusions:
Install Gutter Guards Or Leaf Filters
Installing gutter guards or leaf filters can be a good way to help protect your gutters from becoming clogged with leaves and debris. If you live in an area with lots of foliage near your home, then this is especially important as the wind can carry a lot of leaves into your gutter system.
Here are some tips on how to prevent clogs in your gutters:
- Install gutter guards that are designed to keep out leaves and other debris while still allowing water to flow freely.
- Make sure to regularly inspect the outside of your gutters for any signs of blockage due to fallen leaves or twigs.
- Keep the inside of your gutters clear by either manually removing build-up or using a garden hose with a pressure nozzle to flush them out if needed.
- Consider fitting leaf strainers over drain outlets that are prone to become clogged with debris in order to help prevent water blockages and overflows during periods of heavy rainfall.
Your home is likely the biggest financial investment of your life, so it is a good idea to try to take care of it. And if you are looking to purchase a new home, don’t hesitate to contact us about your home loan options!