You never want to see water marks on your ceiling. That’s a telltale sign of water leaking in through your roof. Water damage in your home can grow out of control quickly and is costly to repair. It’s best to be proactive by having your roof inspected periodically by roofers in Dunwoody. They can often find small issues that can be repaired before turning into major headaches. Here are five tips to help you avoid leaky roofs.
Check Flashing
Flashing is the material used around chimneys, vents, skylights, dormers, and roof-to-wall transitions. Its purpose is to direct the flow of water away from these areas. But over time, the condition of the flashing can deteriorate, or the flashing can start pulling away from its original position, creating an entry point for water to leak through your roof. Companies offering shingles repair in Dunwoody will always look at flashing when performing an inspection because it’s such a common source of leaks. Repairs can range from filling gaps with roof caulk or replacing the flashing altogether if needed.
Replace Bent-Back and Worn Shingles
As roofs age, some shingles may become damaged or deteriorate. Sometimes just a few worn shingles can be the source for leaks. Replacing those few shingles can save you from expensive water damage repairs later. Over the life of a roof, it’s common to replace a few shingles before the entire roof needs to be replaced someday.
Inspect the Drip Edge
The purpose of the drip edge is to divert the flow of water away from the fascia. The drip edge is a form of flashing that extends slightly beyond the roof itself. If the drip edge is not functioning properly, water can collect behind the gutter, where moisture can foster mildew and rot. Contractors who install roofing shingles in Dunwoody can perform an inspection of your drip edge to make sure it’s channeling rainwater as intended.
Clean and Repair Gutters
Gutters serve to quickly and efficiently channel water away from your roof and home. If they are not doing that, the drainage from your roof will be ineffective. Solving problems with gutters may be as simple as clearing out clogs caused by leaves. You should check your gutters each fall and spring to make sure they are draining properly. Additionally, a roof inspection can make sure that gutters are sloped and attached well. Sometimes wind or tree branches knock gutters out of place.
Check Attics
A visual inspection of a roof won’t always reveal a problem. Everything may look fine from the outside. That’s why it’s wise to inspect your attic occasionally. If you see signs of mold, stains or dampness, it could be a sign of a leak in your roof. If you see evidence of these problems, you’ll definitely want to call a roofing contractor to perform a thorough inspection.
Roof Inspections Make Sense
With proper roof maintenance, you can prevent many minor issues from becoming major problems. Contactors offering roof leak repair in Dunwoody have the know-how that’s needed to keep roofs in perfect condition.