Winter is now well and truly here in the Victoria area, and with it comes plenty of rain, wind and snow that can wreak havoc on old or improperly maintained roof. We highly recommend that you ensure that your roof is in good condition in order to avoid costly emergency roof repairs or even replacements this winter. A weakened or poorly maintained roof can quickly begin to leak or even fail during extreme weather events. Even the best-built roofs can lose shingles from the violent windstorms we often experience here in the colder months.
Emergency roofing repairs can be extremely costly – not only will you need help on short notice, but other parts of your home can quickly experience severe damage if moisture begins seeping through your roof.
Fortunately, the expert roofing contractors here at Shoreline Roofing have come up with several ways for how you can prevent roof leaks from happening in the first place.
Maintain Gutters
Keeping gutters clean and working properly is vital for preventing leaks and ice dams from wreaking havoc on your roof and your home.
Clogged gutters cannot do their job of keeping water away from the house. Ineffective gutters build up water, causing disastrous leaks from the roof of your home or dangerous ice dams in colder temperatures. We highly recommend checking your gutters for excess debris regularly, especially after a bad storm. Keeping the gutter system clear of debris and ensuring they’re tightly fastened will significantly reduce the likelihood of expensive and stress-inducing roof leaks and ice dams.
Update Attic Spaces
Many homeowners neglect to check their attic every now and then for signs of water leakage, but this can easily become a costly mistake. The attic can become a serious roof leak hazard due to a variety of reasons.
Condensation from wet insulation or not enough insulation can create ice dams and a mold problem. If you notice a stain on your ceiling, it likely originated from the attic. Hire an expert roofer to re-insulate and install proper ventilation in your attic to keep your home leak-free.
Cleaning your gutters free of leaves and other debris is important for preventing roof leaks.
Replace Worn or Missing Shingles
Most homeowners want to avoid costly repair bills. A worn-out or rotted shingle left unchecked on the roof can lead to distressing roof leaks. Remember, it’s much more affordable to replace missing shingles or make easy repairs than pay for an entirely new roofing system.
Reseal Roof Zones
Inspect your roof for water damage regularly. Look for cracked seals around plumbing vents, the chimney, and skylights. Reseal as required and avoid an expensive leak and water damage.
Excessive moss growth loosens shingles and weakens your roof, making it vulnerable to leaks.
Trim Trees and Branches
Property owners should assess the risk of trees, branches, and other shrubs close to the home. They all pose a leaking hazard. How? Trees create shade on the roof where moss and mold can develop. This can grow into rot and leaky roofs. Branches can scratch and puncture roofing material, while other debris can quickly clog gutters. A good trim every season significantly minimizes the likelihood of leaks in your home.
Finally, have your home inspected for leaks from ice dams. In addition, have someone look for condensation in the attic from poor ventilation or insulation. A professional roof contractor has the expertise of what to spot and repairs or action required to make your home safe and dry.
The professional roofing team at Shoreline Roofing is available for a variety of roofing installations, such as metal, asphalt, cedar and torch-on/membrane roofing. Shoreline Roofing also provides professional roof inspections for homeowners’ insurance claims, detailed reporting with images, practical solutions to roofing problems, in addition to complex structural repairs that other roofing companies are unwilling to take on.
With a close-knit, qualified team, Shoreline Roofing has the expertise to get any roofing project done. From installations and repairs to inspections, the experts at Shoreline Roofing have you covered.
Call us at 250-413-7967 today to find out more about our wide array of roofing services and how we can help you!