From Asphalt Shingles to Zinc Strips

Protecting Your Roof During The Rainy Season

If your area is about to enter the rainy season, it is important that you ensure your property is prepared to handle all of the rain that is about to come through. This is particularly true for the roof, which is going to take most of the hit. If your roof has not undergone the proper preparations, the rain can wreak some serious havoc on it, resulting in costly repairs. Luckily, with some simple maintenance on your end before the rainy season arrives, you can easily avoid extensive damage and save yourself hundreds of dollars in repairs. Keep reading to learn what steps you need to take.

Inspect for Any Signs of Damage

Before the rain starts coming in, you need to thoroughly inspect the roof for any indications of damage to the shingles and flashing. If these materials suffer warping or cracking, or they are missing, it is possible for rainwater to seep into the foundation of the home.

If your home is equipped with a flat roof, you will want to look for any rips or tears along the membrane seams. In addition, after a rainstorm, you should go up on the roof and look for any indications of pooling water. If water sits on the surface of the roof, the roofing materials will end up deteriorating.

Clean the Surface Thoroughly

If dirt and debris accumulate on the roof, it can cause damage to the shingles or penetrate the roofing membrane. In addition, when your gutters become blocked by leaves and other debris, rainwater can be prevented from being properly directed away from the home. Instead, the water will simply pool over the sides of the gutter or back up underneath the roof. Either situation can result in considerable damage to the foundation, leading to leaks and mold growth inside of the house.

Cut Back the Trees

Significant rainfall can cause the tree branches to be weighed down. If you have any branches that are anywhere near the roof or hanging over the roof, it is important to either cut them back yourself or hire a professional tree trimming service to do it for you. In doing so, weak and dead branches will be prevented from snapping and falling onto the roof. In addition, it will reduce the amount of debris that lands on the roof and in the gutters, which will reduce the amount of cleaning that you have to do.

If you would like to learn more, contact a roofing company in your area.