Water damage to your roofing system can lead to major problems, including a full-blown roof leak. In some circumstances, severe water damage can even be the demise of a roofing system, forcing the homeowner to invest in a replacement before the roof’s expected expiration date. While water damage to your Englewood roofing system can be a headache, there are steps that you can take to prevent it.
We get many storms here in Colorado, especially in the spring and early summer, making the probability of roof water damage even higher. Here, we’ll provide our top prevention tips for water damage to Englewood roofing.
Clean Debris Off Of Your Roof
If you have trees on your property, debris such as leaves and pine needles are likely to fall onto the surface of your Englewood roofing system. While this may not initially seem like a big deal, if it rains or hails, this debris can absorb and hold onto water, effectively exposing your roofing materials to excess moisture. This can lead to multiple types of water damage, including mold, rot, and in severe cases, a leak.
To prevent trapping moisture against the surface of your roof, make sure to clean debris off of its surface regularly. You can also enlist the help of your local roofing experts for this task, as walking on your roof may not be safe.
Avoid Ice Dams
With the harsh winters that we get here in Colorado, ice dams are a common problem among homeowners. Ice dams form when snow at the center of a roof melts, flows to the edges of the roof, then refreezes, forming a ridge. More melted snow can get backed up behind the ice dam, leading to water sitting on the surface of your roof. Water damage is likely when your roofing materials are exposed to water for prolonged periods.
Ice dams are caused by uneven roof surface temperatures. So, you can most effectively avoid them by ensuring that your roof and attic are properly insulated and ventilated. This will keep heat from your home from raising the surface temperature in the center of your roof, allowing for a more uniform surface temperature overall.
Keep Your Flashing in Good Condition
Your roof’s flashing refers to the metal that’s installed around parts of your roof that are particularly likely to incur water damage. These include the vents, skylights, chimneys, and pipes. At these points, there are openings and joints that could lead to leakage without the extra protection that flashing provides.
Since flashing is instrumental to the durability of your roof, damaged flashing can put your Englewood roofing system at risk of water damage – especially leaks. Over time, the flashing may begin to rust and break down, potentially allowing water to seep into your roof. Additionally, flashing can get damaged in hailstorms and cause roof leakage.
Having your roofing system inspected regularly by an experienced roofer can ensure that any damage to your roof’s flashing is taken care of promptly. After the inspection, the roofer will let you know if any of the flashing is damaged. If so, replacing it will be recommended to restore the strength of your roof.
Keep The Gutters Clean
You need clean gutters that are in good condition for your home’s drainage system to work properly. Whenever it rains, snows, or hails, the resulting water is drained away from your home through the gutters to prevent water damage. But, if the gutters are clogged with debris, the water will leak out of the gutters, potentially causing water damage to your roof, as well as other parts of your home.
Debris, including dirt, leaves, and pine needles, can accumulate in your gutters over time. This debris blocks your gutters, preventing water from flowing through it. To ensure that this problem doesn’t occur, make sure to keep your gutter system clean. Additionally, you can have gutter guards installed to stop debris from accumulating in the first place.
Contact RME For Reliable Roofing Services
For all of your Englewood roofing needs, trust the team at RME. We provide trusted roofing services with attention to detail and exceptional customer service, ensuring that your Colorado roof has the durability to withstand the elements.