Leery Of Leaks? Homeowner Tips For Roof Protection

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Leery Of Leaks? Homeowner Tips For Roof Protection

20 April 2016
 Categories: , Blog


A leaky roof is a huge inconvenience for any homeowner. Whether you notice a few droplets or experience major damage, the expenses associated with leak repairs are high. Fortunately, you can take preventative measures to make sure your roof is resistant to water and ice. Read on to learn how to protect your roof from potential disasters.

Clear The Clutter From Your Gutters

Proper maintenance of your home's gutters is more important than you may realize. Gutters are designed for a simple yet very crucial purpose; they keep water away from your roof and your home. It is normal for gutters to become clogged with twigs, leaves, and other debris. This buildup causes them to work poorly, and this is a recipe for disaster on rainy days.

Routinely cleaning out your gutters is the best way to avoid this problem. It is particularly important to clean them during autumn because leaves are falling into them more frequently. Cleaning them yourself is a fairly simple do-it-yourself task. However, you can also hire a contractor to thoroughly clean them for you on a regular basis.

Don't Let It Go: Eliminate Snow And Ice

Ice and snow are major culprits when it comes to roof damage. Getting rid of them as quickly as possible reduces the chance of leaks. You may consider the following tips:

  • Purchase a roof rake. This can be used to remove thick layers of snow from the edges of your roof. This reduces the weight and moisture buildup.
  • Ice melting products can be applied to ice on your roof. Rock salt is commonly used for this purpose; this is the same type of product used on sidewalks and driveways.
  • If you have not been affected by ice or snow, take preventative measures. You can still apply an ice melting product before an anticipated snowfall.

Spot The Missing Shingles

Broken shingles are a prime source of leaking and water damage. In most cases, it is easy to spot missing ones. You may see different colored patches on your roof where broken or missing shingles should be. Some primary causes of this issue are:

  • heavy rainfall
  • strong wind
  • gradual wear and tear

If you have the experience and know-how, you may be able to replace missing shingles on your own. For high-quality results, you can hire a contractor to install new shingles properly. This option may be best if you are not familiar with the installation and replacement process.

Roof Coating: A Long-Term Solution

Lastly, you can take long-term preventative measures to significantly decrease the chance of water damage. Roof coating is a liquid composed of acrylic, polyurethane, silicone, and other materials. This coating is applied to your entire roof to increase durability and reduce the risk of water damage.

Roof coating materials and equipment can be purchased online and in many hardware stores. However, you will need to know precisely what kind of coating is best for your roof. Some coating materials are not fully compatible with certain types of shingles and roofing. To get the best results, consult with a contractor like Stetson Painting about roof coating.