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Springtime Roof Maintenance to Prevent Water Damage

water damageSpringtime is the perfect time to get outside and catch up on home maintenance projects. This is the time to check your roof for damage, missing shingles, and to ensure there is proper drainage from your gutters to prevent water damage to your home.

Clogged gutters are one of the top causes of water damage to ceilings inside Phoenix homes, causing water spots on ceilings. Clogged gutters allow water to pool on your roof, searching for the path of least resistance into your home. Left unchecked, water damage from your roof can lead to mold growth inside your home and moisture problems in your attic.

Conduct Regular Roof Inspections

It’s a good idea to complete a roof inspection twice each year—once in the spring and again in the fall before the weather turns wet and chilly. Look for any existing visible damage including missing, broken or curling shingles that may need replaced. Take the time to seal any cracks and check for rust on metal areas of your roof.

Clear branches and leaves from gutters, and plan to do this regularly if clogged gutters are a problem for your home. If your roof is more than 10 years old, you may want to hire a professional to complete your roof inspection.

Address Hazards to Your Roof

While you are up on your roof, take the time to look around and identify potential hazards that could cause damage to your roof. A branch from a large tree hanging over your home can cause damage if it falls during a storm or under the weight of heavy snow, and it can also deposit endless amounts of leaves or pine needles in your gutters. Trim branches that pose a risk.

Tree branches that already touch your roof can cause damage from winds by scratching the roof or damaging roofing materials. While they are not likely to fall down, they too should be removed, as they can damage shingles and allow animals like squirrels access to your roof.

Check Gutters and Downspouts

The purpose of gutters is to remove water from your roof and direct the water down and away from your home. Gutters and downspouts that are clogged or not functioning properly can cause water to enter your home through the roof, or through the foundation due to flooding.

After clearing your gutters, double-check that they work properly by running water through the gutter. Pay special attention to where the water goes after it leaves the downspout. If water is pooling around your foundation, you probably need to extend the downspout further away from your home.

How Can I Tell If My Roof Has Water Damage?

There are several things Phoenix homeowners can look for to help identify a potential roof problem that is allowing water to enter your home. The most obvious is visible water spots on your ceiling or mold growth. Damage may not always be visible—you may have a damp attic, or maybe you just notice a musty odor.

If you suspect possible water damage or mold, you should consult a water damage restoration professional in Phoenix to identify the source and to take steps toward restoration. If you are dealing with a mold issue, the sooner a problem can be addressed the better, as mold will continue to grow and spread until it is removed. Water damage professionals have advanced tools to detect moisture in hidden areas, which can be a common issue when a leaking roof causes the damage.

Regular roof maintenance and inspections can prevent water damage, and can save you from having major problems requiring extensive repairs and water damage restoration. Take steps today to prevent roof damage and water damage. If you do experience water damage or locate mold in your home, call Overson Restoration in Phoenix today.