There’s nothing worse than waking up to water dripping on your face while sleeping or having to deal with a flooded attic because your roof decided to spring a leak. The good news is, a little preventive maintenance can save you major headaches down the road. Whether you’re a DIY warrior or prefer leaving it to the professionals, here a 5 insights that are going to make sure to extend the life of your roof and stop leaks before they start.
1. Inspect The Roof Flashing
A quick fix now could save you a ton of trouble (and money) down the line. Image: Shutterstock/ NIKCOA
Begin by checking out the flashing around features like chimneys, vents, and skylights. These spots are notorious for leaks. The flashing is meant to shoo the water away from these openings, but if it's bent, gapped, or punctured, it's like rolling out the red carpet for water to seep through. Grab a putty knife and some roofing caulk, and seal any dodgy spots. It's an easy fix that can save you a load of trouble later.
2. Mind The Drip Edge
A damaged or bent drip edge invites moisture and creepy crawlies right into your home's framework. Image: Shutterstock/ Toa55
That thin metal edge under your roof shingles? It's not just there for looks, it guides water away from your fascia and into the gutters. Ignoring it can lead to all sorts of nasty issues like wood rot and unwelcome critters. If you spot any damage, it’s time to call in the pros. Think of it as an oil change for your house.
3. Check Those Step Flashings
Just like the main flashing, step flashing seals the deal around dormers and roof-to-wall transitions. Image: Unsplash/ Jonas Gerlach
Just like the other flashing areas, you’ll want to inspect where the roof meets walls or dormers. Any damage here can let water seep in over time. Fixing it early prevents costly repairs later.
4. Scope Out The Attic
Sometimes, the clue to a leak isn't on your roof, it's hiding in your attic. Image: Shutterstock/ forestpath
Sometimes the clues to a leak are hiding right above your head in the attic. Take a peek up there for any signs of mold, soggy insulation, or rust around nails — these can all indicate water’s getting in where it shouldn’t. Catching these early can mean simpler, cheaper fixes.
5. Clear Those Gutters
Leaves and debris love to throw a block party in the gutters. Image: Unsplash/ John Kinnander
Gutters play a crucial role in whisking water away from your humble abode. But if they’re sloping the wrong way or pulling away from the house, you’re surely going to have drainage issues. You also have to clear out any leaves, needles, pollen and debris at least twice a year or more if you have trees around. That excess weight can straight away rip the gutters off.
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