Remember those old song lyrics, “Raindrops keep falling on my head?” That is ok as long as you are outside. When raindrops plop on your head inside the house, you have a problem. If you notice signs of a leaky roof, then it’s time to get a roof inspection. Professional roofing companies can provide roof inspections, as well as repairs, reroofs, and roof replacements.
Prepping your roof for the rainy season can prevent expensive roof repairs. Getting a professional roof inspection, trimming overhanging branches, and cleaning out your gutters are all proactive ways to prep and protect your roof before the rainy season arrives.
Spring is the kickoff to the rainy season in Florida, although summer is really when the rain likes to make a grand appearance, along with hurricane season. Florida’s weather can really show off when it’s in the mood. Spring is the perfect time to prep your roof for the rainy season. This article will give you tips on the best ways to do so.
Roof Inspections
Professional roofing companies like Seal Tight Roofing in Merritt Island, FL, can conduct a roof inspection for you to detect problem areas. Even if you don’t have any known issues, an annual roof inspection is a good idea. It’s better to find a potential problem before it begins or at least have early detection of a problem before it gets worse. If you have a small problem with your roof, one good hurricane can turn it into a major problem. Hurricane season in Florida is June 1 – November 30, a full 6 months. Yes, half the year is hurricane season! It’s our tradeoff for having amazing weather most of the year. What will a roof inspector look for during an inspection?
- Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing,
- Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering,
- Missing or broken shingles,
- Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes,
- Missing or damaged chimney cap,
- Masses of moss and lichen, which could signal the roof is decaying underneath (while black algae stains are just cosmetic), and
- Missing granules from asphalt roofing which protects your shingles from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Even if you had a roof inspection less than a year ago, if you notice any of the above issues, please contact us to come out and take a look. Roof issues don’t run on a schedule and don’t care if you just had your roof inspected 3 months ago! They can show up at any time, particularly after harsh weather.
What Else Can I Do to Prep My Roof?
Be vigilant when it comes to home repairs and upkeep. Little problems can become big problems pretty quickly. Consider little problems to be overachievers, and never give them the benefit of the doubt, assuming they won’t get worse. So, what can you do besides roof inspections to prep your roof for the rainy season?
- Trim trees – Trim any overhanging branches. With hurricane winds, branches are easily broken off trees. A large branch can cause serious damage to your roof and endanger the people inside your home. In Florida, If the tree is on your neighbor’s property, you have the right to trim branches up to the property line. If the branch is healthy, the property owner is not liable if the branch falls during a storm. Therefore, we highly recommend that you trim any overhanging branches to keep your roof safe.
- Clean your gutters – Gutters may seem unrelated to your roof, but a buildup of leaves and debris in the gutters can result in accumulated water. That water can lead to problems like water saturation, leaks, and mold. If you don’t like cleaning your gutters and don’t want to pay to have them cleaned every year, then you should look into a gutter guard system. This article offers a side-by-side comparison of gutter guard systems which you may find helpful.
- Insulate your attic – If your attic has no insulation or your attic space was insulated many years ago, it is time to have it done (or done again). Insulation offers many benefits, including heat regulation which can help save you money on your energy bill. As for your roof, insulation can help protect your home from moisture infiltration. This can lead to issues with your roof, such as mold growth, rot, and deterioration.
Summary
Prepping your roof for the rainy season is an important step in protecting your roof from damage. Trimming overhanging branches, cleaning your gutters, and having proper insulation in your attic are three effective ways to help maintain the integrity of your roof. Seal Tight Roofing Experts also recommend having a yearly roof inspection. Having this inspection done before the rainy season can prevent a myriad of problems caused by the severe weather often experienced in Florida. Seal Tight Roofing Experts can conduct your inspection and provide any repairs needed to get your roof in shape for the rainy season. And, if it’s time for a new roof, we have you (and your house) covered! Our trained team is ready to help your roof be rainy season ready!
