Moisture damage can range from unsightly stains on the ceiling to structural damage to the roof. It can even result in mold growth in different parts of your home. Fortunately, damage caused by moisture is usually preventable. In this blog, roofing contractor Universal Roofing & Exteriors discusses the ways water damage to your roof can be prevented.
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Replace Missing Shingles — If you notice that your roof is missing some shingles, call your roofing contractor as soon as possible. Missing shingles create an entry point for rainwater, even if the roofing plane isn’t punctured. The gaps left by missing shingles also make it easy for high winds to tear out other shingles.
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Fix Ponding Surfaces — Ponding usually occurs on flat roofs, but can also happen on hail-damaged roofs, gutters or any roofing surface that can hold standing water. Draining these areas is not enough, since water will collect whenever it rains. Seams can be weakened by prolonged submersion, so if you find ponding water on your roof, the best course of action is to call for roof repair.
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Clean Your Gutters Regularly — Gutters are often considered a separate system from the roof, yet clogged gutters can have drastic effects on the roof. Rainwater can back up into the roof deck during periods of heavy rain. Overflowing rainwater can also lead to damage to your home’s foundation. While ice dams are primarily caused by poor attic insulation, standing water in the gutters can contribute to this problem too. Keeping a regular cleaning and maintenance routine—ideally twice a year—can help prevent moisture damage caused by clogged gutters.
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Keep an Eye on the Flashing — Flashing protects vulnerable areas of the roof such as valleys and vent pipes, as well as where the roof meets a wall, dormer or chimney. Flashing can get dislodged by high wind or hail impact, leaving such areas open to water intrusion. If you find missing flashing, have this addressed as soon as possible by a roofing professional.
Universal Roofing & Exteriors is your leading provider of residential and commercial roofing services, including drone roof inspections. Give us a call at (317) 257-0779 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Indianapolis, Fishers and Zionsville, IN.
