Advice On Protecting Roof From Effects of Rain

After a heavy rain, a smart homeowner checks for problems in the roofing, and has any problem fixed as soon as possible.

Problems that might be found

• Torn, dented or warped shingles
• Leaks
• Clogged gutters
• Sagging gutters
• Loose gutters
• Cracked flashing; the absence of necessary flashing

Clues to existence of each problem that was listed above

Granules that were washed down in the drainpipe of the gutter system would indicate unwanted destruction to parts of one or more shingles. Roofers In San Mateo know that leaks could cause formation of dark spots on the ceiling

Gutter-related problems would show up during a storm, when there was not much water flowing from the drainpipe. Cracked flashing could cause the formation of hard-to-spot leaks. A more serious situation could develop, if the person installing the roof was not a professional. Non-professionals tend to overlook the need for flashing in the area around a chimney.

The gutter’s role in protecting the roofing

The gutter directs the rainwater away from home.A house that has no gutters also lacks any form of rain protection. A clogged gutter proves no more useful than the absence of one. That is why smart homeowners arrange for regular cleaning of their home’s gutter system.

Consider paying a professional to inspect the flashing.

Home builders put flashing around any skylight, and around any chimney. A professional could check for cracks in the flashing. If those cracks were not fixed, rainwater could find its way into a section of the home. Depending on where the leak had developed, the puddle formed by an overlooked leak could go unnoticed for a week, or longer.

Drops of water could leak into a closet or into a cupboard. Few homeowners note the way that a cupboard or closet might have been placed in an area under a chimney or a skylight.

An annual inspection can aid the discovery of leaks and other problems.

In areas where residents anticipate April showers, it is best to schedule a roof inspection for early in the spring.

In areas where the rainy season falls during the winter months, it is best to schedule an inspection in early autumn.

Supplemental approaches that limit the harmful effects of any rainwater

Waterproofing the rooftop: Be sure that the treated area is free of moss or debris, and has no spot where a pool of stagnant water could form.

Introduction of residential awning: Use one made of canvas, or one made of aluminum. It could open automatically, or it could open in response to hand cranking.

Pay for introduction of a rain management system.

—Pipes for collection of rainwater
—Filters for removing sediment from the collected rainwater
—Tanks for the storage of water.