Keep Your Roof Leak-Free: Reminders from Roofing Contractors

Your roof is your primary protection from the elements. That means it should be structurally sound to prevent water from entering the house when it rains. If your roof has a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid bigger damage. It's even better if you can keep the roof leak-free.

Roofers have some suggestions to do just that:

1. Check for Broken Shingles. Broken shingles are one of the signs that your roof may be compromised. If you notice a piece of a shingle blown away from the roof, that means your roof may not be holding up well against strong winds and rain. This calls for a thorough inspection to check if you only need to replace the shingles or if you already have a leak problem underneath it. Contact us if a storm has just passed by your area, so we can inspect for storm damage and do the necessary repairs.
2. Keep Gutters Clean. Gutters direct rainwater away from the roof to avoid ponding or pooling. If your gutters are clogged by dried leaves or broken branches and debris, they will not be able to do their job properly. Roofing contractors recommend checking for signs of gutter damage as well. If your gutter is bent or dented, it may direct water to the wrong place and damage the foundation.
3. Inspect Chimneys, Vents, and Skylights. Some parts of your home are more prone to leaks. The chimney is the top leak source, according to GAF. Make sure it's flashed properly to avoid leaks. Skylights may also accumulate water, and vents may have cracks.
4. Look for Signs of Molds. Mold and mildew tell you that there's a source of moisture in the house. This means you have either a humidity problem or a leak source. Inspect the areas where you notice molds and look for sources of air leaks, which tell you where the problem could be coming from.

Your roofing system should always be in good condition. Make sure you have a trusted roofing company maintaining it and inspecting it for damage. Call West Side Roofing at (216) 245-1050 before potential problems burn a hole through your wallet.