When is the last time you took a good look at your roof? All too often homeowners forget about roof maintenance because the roof is out of sight and out of mind. Homeowners often don’t realize anything is wrong with their roof until a big problem occurs, such as a major leak. When this happens, the damage to the roof is beyond a simple repair. By spending a little extra time on preventative care and basic roof maintenance, homeowners can save time and money on major roof repairs down the line. Read on for some simple tips on how to maintain your roof and prevent major roofing problems.
Monitor Weak Spots
Every roof has its weak spots. We recommend paying extra attention to several areas of your roof that are susceptible to damage. These weak spots can cause problems for the entire roofing system if they are not properly cared for.
The chimney and skylights are two of these weak spots. While these features add a beautiful and unique element to your home, keep in mind that they require extra maintenance. Monitor these areas to watch for leaks. Water stains are a common sign of leaks. You may need repair the flashing around these features more regularly in order to make sure that they are properly sealed to the roof. Properly sealing these features to the roofing system will help to prevent leaks.
The plumbing vent is another spot that homeowners should check regularly. The metal or rubber flashing around plumbing vents tends to deteriorate or rust over time. This is dangerous to your roof because the deterioration can cause troublesome water leaks. If you find rust or deterioration, it is time to have these parts replaced. Similarly, you should watch for any deterioration to the pipes. Deterioration of the pipes will also lead to water damage. Make sure to use a high-grade sealant to seal the area around the vents and pipes as a preventative measure against rusting.
Clean Gutters
The gutter system is an integral part of the entire roofing system. Many people forget about regularly cleaning and maintaining the gutters. Be sure to clean the guttering regularly to prevent buildup of leaves and trash. A good gutter system will help to protect your roof and siding from water damage. Ineffective gutters can lead to many problems for your home. Water damage can extend even to the foundation of the home, which will cause foundation failure. If your guttering is causing a problem for your roof or siding, we recommend replacing it with a better system that will protect your home for years to come.
High-Quality Roofing System
Without a high-quality roof and gutter system, even the most diligent roof maintenance can’t save you from costly repairs. Integrity Roofing provides honest service and works hard to install Kansas City area homes with durable and lasting gutters and roofing systems. Call us today in the Lee’s Summit and Kansas City areas at (816) 353-7663.
We’ll install a better roofing and gutter system to your home.
