Water damage to your roofing installation is a significant problem that can spread mold and rot throughout your home and make the roof more likely to collapse. Learning how to prevent this damage can keep you and your property safe while also extending the life and value of your roofing system. Below are a few tips to keep your roof protected.

How To Protect Your Roof From Water Damage

1. Clean Gutters

Without routine cleaning, your gutters can become clogged. When this happens, they overflow, sloshing water against your roof. Clogged gutters also encourage the formation of ice dams as the standing water in them freezes during winter. This makes runoff from melting precipitation more likely to refreeze on the edge of the roof as it encounters colder temperatures.

2. Get Repairs Promptly

If you notice missing shingles or storm damage, don’t put off roof repair. A roof that’s damaged allows moisture to seep into underlying layers, spreading damage throughout the roofing installation, support structures, attic space, walls, and insulation.

3. Clean & Inspect It

Keep your roof clean, as debris like leaves can trap water against it and hide signs of damage. Have your roof regularly inspected, particularly around the flashing, seals, and joints. Check for loose shingles, missing hardware, signs of wear on seals, and holes or cracks that shouldn’t be there. These issues can be caused during winter when moisture freezes and expands in the gaps of your system.

4. Know When To Replace It

No roof is designed to last forever, and how long yours will last depends on the quality of its installation and material. For instance, metal roofs can last for 50 years, while shingles last for about 25. If your roof is nearing or past its expected lifespan, replacing it before it fails is the best preventive measure.

 

A roofing installation in poor condition is more susceptible to water damage. The experts at Columbia Roofing in Elkridge, MD, have over 40 years of experience in roof repair and installation. Licensed and bonded in Washington, DC, and Maryland, they deliver an exceptional standard of service with roofing, siding, gutter, window, and door repairs and replacements, with competitive pricing and financing options. Read their reviews online or get a free quote for a new roofing installation by calling (410) 479-6100.