Heavy rains do take a serious toll on the roof. Even the best of materials may degrade or develop leaks under seasonal extremes. However, it’s possible to prevent rain damage. Below are some steps you can take to ensure your roof stays dry and intact during relentless storms.
Step 1. Visual Inspection
Go up to your attic with a flashlight and carefully examine the underside of the roof deck. Look for discoloration or water stains, visible mold or mildew, light peeking through gaps, and musty odors. When water seeps through the roof, it’s first absorbed by the wooden decking and the insulation before eventually dripping onto the ceiling and into your living spaces.
Wet wood appears darker, feels softer, and often swells. Also, when tapped, it produces a duller, lower-pitched sound compared to dry wood.
The insulation is another key place to check for moisture. If you notice sagging, compression, or discoloration, you likely have a leak. Damp insulation not only loses its thermal effectiveness but also creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew. A musty smell is often a strong confirmation.
Don’t forget to also inspect the roof from above. Cracked, curling, or missing shingles are common signs of weathering and potential water intrusion. Pay close attention to areas around chimneys, skylights, vents, and valleys, basically anywhere flashing is installed. Damaged or corroded flashing can allow water to seep underneath the roofing material and into the structure below.
Hire a licensed and certified roofer to repair all the leaking points you’ve identified. Professional service is preferable to DIY because roofers have the proper tools, materials, and expertise to ensure lasting roof repairs that meet code and manufacturer specifications. They can also assess underlying damage that may not be visible to you during your surface inspection, such as compromised decking, hidden mold, or ventilation issues, and recommend appropriate solutions.
Step 2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts play a critical role in managing rainwater and snowmelt. Gutters collect runoff from the roof, while downspouts channel it safely away from the foundation. This system helps prevent water damage along the edge of the roof, protects siding and paint, reduces soil erosion, and minimizes the risk of basement flooding.
To ensure optimal performance, always keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of obstructions. Remove leaves and buildup by hand or with a scoop, then flush the system down with a garden hose to confirm proper flow. If there are stubborn clogs, use a plumber’s snake or a wet/dry vacuum to dislodge them. Moreover, consider using gutter guards to prevent future debris accumulation.
Step 3. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Heavy rains are often accompanied by strong winds, which can snap branches and hurl them onto your roof. This impact can damage shingles, dislodge flashing, or puncture the roof deck. Fallen branches and leaves are also the leading cause of clogging in gutters and downspouts.
To prevent this, trim back tree limbs that hang over or near your roof. A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 8 to 10 feet of clearance between the roofline and surrounding branches.
Trees take years to grow and are beautiful, valuable additions to your property. If you’re not confident in your pruning skills, hire a certified arborist to do the job. Poor pruning techniques can stress or injure the tree, making it more vulnerable to disease, decay, or future breakage.
Step 4. Schedule Professional Roof Maintenance
Hire a professional roofing company to service and prime your roof for the upcoming rains. Roofers are highly skilled at identifying areas of weakness and hidden issues that an untrained eye might overlook, such as structural stress. They’ll also assess the condition of shingles, flashing, underlayment, ventilation systems, and other components of the roof to ensure everything is functioning as intended.
Remember also to schedule a post-season inspection. As mentioned, heavy rains can take a serious toll on your roof. Let a licensed roofer examine it for signs of damage, wear, or emerging problems that may have developed during the storm season. Catching problems early and addressing them promptly helps avoid expensive structural damage down the line.
Contact Clark's Gables Roofing for Professional Assistance
A simple roof inspection and maintenance before the rains can save you thousands of dollars in property damage and repairs. Give our roofing company a call today to schedule a comprehensive roof evaluation and receive long-term solutions that ensure your home stays fully protected. Our roofing company has over 40 years of experience and is committed to delivering work that meets the highest quality standards. You can count on us for prompt, dependable service.
Call Clark's Gables Roofing for professional roof inspection and maintenance in Roseville.
