Leaks around the home don’t just happen overnight. One of the best ways to prevent a leaking roof is through preventative measures; schedule a roof inspection and get minor problems repaired right away! The longer you wait to repair your roof, the worse (and often more expensive) your problems will be later on.
Keeping your roof clear of debris, such as leaves and branches, one of the best maintenance practices for roofs. But keeping your roof clear is for more than just cosmetic reasons and it can make a big difference in prolonging the longevity of your roof! Debris buildup can get caught underneath shingles or around pipe boots and flashings, which can lead to water build-up and leaks when it rains. You should also make sure to cut away any overhanging tree branches over your roof to avoid damaged shingles or, worse, holes in your roof that will need patching.
Caulk is used for sealing gaps and joints around your roof. While it can be used to repair some minor repair leaks, it’s not an ideal long-term solution when your roof is already leaking. However, some leaks on your roof could be caused by old or cracked caulk around your home’s siding, corner boards, window edges, and other adjoining parts of your house. A quick inspection can catch areas that need re-caulking before a leak happens.
Flashing is used around objects that come out of your roof to protect the seams from water runoff. Over time, flashing may also get damaged or cracked and will need replacing. Just like areas on your roof that may need re-caulking, old or damaged flashing can be discovered easily from a quick roof inspection and is relatively inexpensive to replace.
Vent pipes are what let air escape from your kitchen and bathroom to the outside of your home. They’re a common source for leaks in the home; it’s possible for the seals around your roof vents to get damaged over time, especially if you live in a region with extreme weather conditions. If damaged vents don’t get fixed soon, it could leak to mold and wood rot to your home. That’s why we always check around your vents during a roof inspection. The repair could be as simple as fixing the flashing around the vent or replacing the vent housing if it’s cracked. However, if your vent is damaged itself, then you should replace it as soon as possible.
It won’t be long until we start getting more rain around here in the Pacific Northwest! That’s why now is the perfect time to schedule a routine roof inspection. Avoid any roof leaks this winter by calling IBEX Roof today. We will make sure your roof is set to protect your family for years to come. Give us a call today at 360-218-3194 or fill out our online form for a free estimate!