There are many issues that can take a homeowner by surprise and, you guessed it — a leaking roof is one of them. At first glance, a roof leak might not seem very serious, but they can actually be quite complicated to repair. The source of the leak is difficult to find, and once it is found, it’s usually after it’s already caused significant damage to your home. It’s a tiresome and costly issue.
Our professional contractors at Destin Roofing have met many homeowners looking to learn how to prevent costly roof leaks before they happen. Here are some of the best preventative methods we suggest:
Check your attic
An attic isn’t just an empty space above your head and beneath your roof. It needs proper ventilation to ensure moisture and heat don’t build up inside. To prevent this from happening, an attic ventilation system is typically installed into your roof through vents and other components. If your ventilation system is compromised, however, it can lead to blockages which often cause roof leaks over time. A few other it can cause issues includes:
- Wet insulation
- Loose shingles
- Rotting rafters
- Mold
- Higher utility bill
If you’re unsure about the state of your attic’s ventilation system, the best thing you can do is call a professional roofer to inspect it.
Clean your gutters
Gutters are a pretty big deal for your home. Gutters redirect rainwater from your house to prevent issues like soil erosion, which damages the foundation of your home. But, like all other aspects of a home, they need to be cleaned of accumulated debris like leaves and twigs.
Some people choose to use gutter guards, but if you don’t, it’s important to not let your gutter get so backed up that it creates a blockage. This can cause water to soak into your roof and eventually lead to roof leaks. Not only that, but if leaves start to decompose in your gutters, you could face mold and algae growth, too.
Check your shingles
If you’ve recently experienced particularly strong winds, such as from a hurricane or tornado, it’s important to check if your roof has lost any shingles. While not all lost or loose shingles can cause roof leaks, if the missing shingle was covering a seam of your home then you can be at risk. Exposed nails allow water to enter around the seams, causing roof leaks over time. Damaged seams can also allow heat to escape your home, which can spike your energy bill.
Schedule regular roof maintenance
Not only are roof leaks complicated but so are roofs and roofing systems in general. Your roof doesn’t exist separately from your home — it affects many aspects of it. For this reason, roofers suggest you avoid attempting to repair a roof leak by yourself. Contact a professional roofer to locate the cause and repair it effectively.
If you’re lucky enough to not have experienced a roof leak, it’s still important to schedule regular roof maintenance. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends checking your roof at least twice a year. The best times would be during fall and spring, when the weather is less harsh. A professional roofer can help you locate any issues when they’re still small and put a stop to them before they get worse. Moderate to serious roof leaks are a hassle, but minor ones are actually quite easy to repair.
If you’re experiencing a roof leak or are looking to schedule roof maintenance in the Destin area, then Destin Roofing is happy to help! From roof leaks to general roof repairs to even entire roof replacements, we have the skill and expertise to help you with all your roofing needs! Contact us today!
