Roof Maintenance (How to Inspect for Leaks)

Replacing or fixing a roof can be costly, however, doing some roof maintenance can prevent major damage. All it takes is a periodic inspection (every 6 months) to ensure there are no leaks and your roof is performing as it should.

We encourage homeowners to clean gutters and free them of debris. We do, however, encourage homeowners not to climb on roofs to check themselves. (Always call a roofing contractor to inspect for you) So where does that leave you? From the ground level, there are several things homeowners can do to inspect for roofs.

Here are 3 ways to check for impending roof leaks in your home:

1. Check the Flashing

The flashing around the chimney, any vents, skylights, or other structures on your roof is highly susceptible to leaks. If it looks worn or the seal is coming undone then contact a roofing company to come fix it. It’s far cheaper to have this repaired than wait for a leak to form.

Unsure what flashing is? Check out this link.

2. Check for Signs of Moisture or Mold

This really is a wide topic to cover, however, there are a few main ways to check for moisture. Is your house properly ventilated? Is your humidity turned down in the colder months? Are you turning on your humidifier vents when you take a hot shower? Is there fog on the interior windows? Here are some other easy things to check:

• Nothing is obstructing outtake vents in your home
• Any signs of mold
• Wet insulation
• Any rust on the interior nails

3. Check the Gutters

This is one of the most important components of a roofing system outside of the shingles. Gutters and downspouts are designed to carry water away from the home so if they’re not doing their job, you’ve got trouble coming. They need to be free of debris, tightly fastened, and properly sloped to perform at their best. Your whole gutter system may be compromised even if one section is not fastened correctly.

Again, this is something homeowners may not feel comfortable checking themselves so contact any reputable roofing companies to take a look.

Summary

While this is a good place to start, call a roofing contractor can give you a more comprehensive inspection. Mutual Roofing will gladly come take a look at your roof, gutters, and any other places that could indicate an impending leak. Give us a call at (402) 889-3381 for a FREE inspection!