Prevent Roof Leaks
Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with leaks in your roof. Roofing leaks cause expensive water damage in your home and can also be difficult for even a licensed roofing repair contractor to find. To save yourself the hassle of yet another leak in your roof, you may want to consider the benefits of preventative roofing maintenance.
The Five Ways of Prolonging The Life of Your Roof
In this blog post, you will learn the five ways you should Prevent Roof Leaks.
Inspect Roof Flashing
Certain architectural features, such as chimneys or skylights, are common sources of roof leaks. This is because they protrude from the roof’s surface and stand in the way of the natural water flow. To ensure no future leaks occur, you need to inspect the condition of all roof flashing.
The flashing on your roof was designed to direct water around openings and prevent leaks. However, if you notice any gaps between the flashing and the roof, bent flashing, or holes from roofing nails, you will need to have it repaired to prevent future leaks.
For a beginner DIYer, this is a simple repair that can easily be done in an afternoon. All you’ll need is a putty knife and some roofing caulk. If there is any residual caulk or adhesive around the hole from previous roof flashing repairs, use your putty knife to remove it. Wipe down the area afterwards so that the new caulk will be able to properly adhere to the surface of the roof.
Check the Drip Edge
The drip edge is the metal flashing responsible for directing water away from the fascia. Neglecting your roof’s drip edge will leave your home vulnerable to wood rot, insects, and roof leaks. This is why it’s important to make sure you call an experienced roof inspection company so that the drip edge is repaired if needed. Just like you invest in maintenance for your car, you will also need to invest in roof maintenance.
Maintain Roof Step Flashing
Just like the other flashing on your roof, you will need to check the condition of your roof step flashing. Roof step flashing can be installed to protect dormers, roof-to-wall transitions, or other areas of your home. Inspecting these areas for damage will save you money in the long run when you don’t have to call a residential roofing contractor and pay for water damage repairs.
Inspect the Attic
It’s a common misconception that all leaks must be caused by an issue with the roof. However, your attic can give you a lot of clues for what could be causing leaks in your home. When looking through your attic, be sure to check for the following:
- Mold
- Lack of ventilation
- Clogs in intake vents
- Soaked insulation (when it hasn’t rained recently)
- Algae stains on plywood
- Black rings or rust around nails
- Clean and Inspect Gutters
Keep Your Gutters Clean to Prevent Roof Leaks
When was the last time you checked your gutters? Gutters play a critical role in your home’s roofing system by directing water away from the structure. Clogged or improperly installed gutters can lead to serious drainage issues that ultimately cause roof leaks and water damage.
To prevent roof leaks, it’s important to clean your gutters at least twice a year — more often if your home is surrounded by pine trees or heavy foliage. Leaves, pine needles, and other debris can add weight and clog drainage, increasing the risk of gutters pulling away from your home and damaging the fascia or roof edge.
Ensuring that your gutters are correctly sloped and firmly secured can significantly reduce the chances of moisture buildup and roof failure.
Interested in safeguarding your home with proactive roofing care? Contact our Comstock Park roofing experts today at 616-784-5700. At Professional Home Improvements, we’re here to help you prevent roof leaks and protect your home from costly repairs.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
At Professional Home Improvements, we offer a wide range of expert services — from roofing and siding to window installation, gutter solutions, and full kitchen or bathroom remodels. No matter the size of your project, our experienced team is here to deliver quality craftsmanship you can rely on.
Whether you’re planning a small upgrade or a complete home renovation, we have the skills and materials to bring your vision to life.
Brands We Work With
At Professional Home Improvements, we believe in using only the highest quality materials from trusted industry-leading brands. These manufacturers provide durable, energy-efficient, and stylish products that ensure long-lasting results for our clients.
We proudly work with the following brands:
- CertainTeed – https://www.certainteed.com/
- Mastic by Ply Gem – https://mastic.plygem.com/
- Weather Shield – https://weathershield.com/
- Alside – https://www.alside.com/
- Quality Edge – https://qualityedge.com/
