Leaks can damage your home and shorten the usable lifespan of your roof. Know the following ways to prevent leaks from forming so you don't have to deal with water damage.
1. Rainwater Management
Rainwater is the main vector for most leaks, and how it flows off your roof matters. Generally, pitched roofs with fewer flat planes are less likely to have pooling water that leads to leaks. If you do have flat areas on your roof, your roofer can install drains so water doesn't pool. It's also important to have your gutters properly installed and maintained so that they can route water away from your roof during a rain event.
2. Moss Prevention
Moss causes leaks on the roof when it begins to grow beneath a shingle. This lifts the shingle, if only slightly, and allows water to flow underneath. The problem becomes worse because moss acts like a sponge and absorbs moisture out of the air, which is then deposited on your roof. Regularly have moss cleaned from the roof. Your roofer can also install special zinc strips that will prevent moss growth on the roof.
3. Wind Anchors
You don't have to live in a hurricane area to worry about wind damage. Tornadoes and high storm winds can result in uplift, which can pull up the edges of your roof and cause leaks or even major damage. If this is a danger in your area, have wind anchors installed along the edge of the roof. This ties the main roof supports to the main frame of the home so that uplift is no longer a major concern.
4. Ventilation Improvement
Leaks can actually be the result of condensation collecting on the underside of the roof, in the attic. You can prevent this by making sure there is proper ventilation. A ventilation system, at its most basic, must include vents along the eaves and a vent along the ridge as this allows air to flow through and keep the underside of the roof dry. Large or complicated roofs may require more ventilation, which your roofer can install.
5. Penetration Sealing
Every roof has penetrations, which includes things like vent stacks, chimneys, and even skylights. These penetrations must be sealed, which is usually done with a combination of metal flashing and roofing tar sealants. If the flashing becomes damaged or the sealant begins to fail, then leaks occur. Regular inspections and repair when necessary prevents the issue.
Contact a roofing repair service, such as True Quality Roofing, for more assistance.