3 Ways to Prevent Roof Water Damage

Moisture can inflict serious damage on your roof, but observing a few precautions and conducting routine roof maintenance can go a long way towards preventing or mitigating damage.

Fix Signs of Damage Right Away

A few granules dislodged from your asphalt roof may not seem like much at first. But signs like these serve as a warning that your roof’s surface has deteriorated and may not hold for long. We’ve listed below some of the warning signs:

• Stains in the attic ceiling – Green mold streaks, water stains and discoloration in your attic ceiling are signs moisture has been entering your home for quite some time now.
• Pooling water – A common problem for flat and low-sloped roofs, pooling water, left unattended, may cause wood rot.
• Cracks or deformities in your shingles – Water can enter the roof substrate through an opening as small as a crack.
• Damaged flashing – There are gaps in the areas where the roof membrane meets other parts of the roof like chimneys, skylights or solar panels. Roofers cover these gaps using flexible metal called flashing. These are one of the most leak-prone parts of your roof, so it would be a good idea to keep an eye on these.

We don’t recommend inspecting the roof yourself as stepping on the shingles may cause further damage to your roof. Instead, hire an experienced contractor to inspect your roof.

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters are responsible for diverting rainwater away from your roof and preventing it from spilling onto your composite siding. Keeping your gutters clean can minimize the risk of leaks.

Remove Ice Dams

Those living in cold high-altitude areas frequently encounter this problem. The heating inside melts some of the ice on your roof, which then slides towards the edges of your roof before freezing again. Usually, this results in clogged gutters and icicles dangerously hanging off your roof. Remove these icicles before they can damage your roof or hurt passersby.

Looking for a certified contractor in your area?

Rapid Roofing, a contractor with more than three decades’ worth of experience, offers roofing and vinyl siding installation services. To get a free estimate, call us at (734) 234-1174 or (269) 222-7171, or fill out the form on this page. We serve homeowners in Canton, MI.