How to prevent roofing problems

Making sure that the building you live in is in good condition is extremely important not only for the level of comfort of your home but also for its safety. And it includes the condition of your roof, as well. Remember that as long as the problems are small and don’t include damages to the structure of the roof, fixing them will be quick and cheap. So don’t wait until the moment you notice it’s leaking to take a look at it, there are many issues you can easily prevent if you regularly inspect the roof.

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How to inspect a roof

A regular roof check up is a great way to detect problems early on and save money in the long run. But you don’t need to do it every other week and look for even the smallest things, conducting an inspection every few months or even once a year will be enough for it to be effective, especially in newer buildings.

Depending on the size and type of the roof, some issues you’ll be able to notice even from the ground or by looking through the roof windows. But since not every nook and corner will be visible, in order to get a more detailed look getting onto the roof may be required every once in a while. Just make sure to remember that without sufficient safety measures working at height can be very risky, so always take necessary precautions.

Keep in mind that the damages may be visible not only from the outside, use a loft access ladder to get to your attic and inspect the roof from the inside as well. This way, you can easily look out for leaks and check the condition of the rafters.

What to look for

You don’t need to call an expert to check the roof for you, it’s a job you can easily do yourself. But first, you need to learn more about the things you should look for. Among the common roofing problems you can notice are:

Roof flashing: Make sure to check every part of it because even small problems can lead to leaks and risk further damages to the roof. Whenever there’s a piece missing, or you notice rust on metal surfaces, it’s a clear sign it’s time for a repair or even a complete replacement.
Tiles: They can help give your house a unique and attractive appearance, but their main job is to protect the surface of the roof. That’s why it’s extremely important to replace any missing or broken tiles right away.
Roof windows: Installing skylights is a great way to bring more light into a home, but without the right flashing, they may start leaking. As a result, not only your windows can get damaged but the surrounding area of the roof as well. Make sure to regularly check the condition of your windows, for example, every time you clean them.
Gutters: Over time, debris and dirt can accumulate in the gutters and drains, thus preventing them from functioning properly. Since their job is to safely direct water away from the surface of the roof, by cleaning them from time to time, you’re alleviating the risk of problems in the future.
Leaks and cracks: These are the things you can notice from the inside, and once they appear, it’s a clear sign that you need to carefully inspect the whole roof or even call an expert to do it for you.

By inspecting your roof regularly and keeping it in good condition, you can prevent many major issues. It doesn’t cost you anything but can save you a lot of money since replacing a damaged roof can generate huge costs. If you don’t feel confident with your own knowledge, you can always give this task to a specialist who’ll be able to notice possible problems and find the right solutions right away.