5 Maintenance Tips to Prevent a Leaking Roof

Inspect Roof Flashing

Certain architectural features, such as chimneys or skylights, are common sources for roof leaks. This is because they protrude from the surface of the roof and stand in the way of the natural flow of water. To make sure no future leaks occur, you need to inspect the condition of all roof flashing.

The flashing on your residential roofing 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 a leaking roof.

For a beginner DIYer, this is a simple roof 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 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 roofing contractor 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 roofing contractor and pay for water damage repair.

Inspect 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

When’s the last time you inspected your gutters? Gutters are responsible for directing water out and away from your home, which is why you should always make sure that they are in good shape. A gutter that is not properly sloped or securely attached to your home’s exterior will cause roof drainage problems.

You’ll also want to make sure you clean your gutters at least twice a year to remove any leaves, pine needles, pollen, or other outdoor debris. The extra weight in the gutter can cause it to rip off the side of your home and cause damage. If you have pine trees around your home, you may want to consider inspecting your gutters as often as every 3 months.