Because the condition of your roof affects many other aspects of your entire house, roof repair should be part of regular home maintenance. For most homeowners, the roof is a no-go zone and for good reason: climbing ladders and scaling rooftops is often not a safe DIY option. Roof repair is best left to professionals with the equipment to do the job safely and the expertise to know what to look for.

Here are 8 specific steps that will help you ensure your roof is in top condition and ready to face a California winter.

1 – Roof Inspection

An annual inspection by a qualified roofing professional will identify telltale signs of roof problems including:

  • Leaks
  • Damaged or missing shingles
  • Water pooling or improper drainage
  • Deteriorating flashing

2 – Look for Interior Deck Deterioration

Some roof repair issues may not be apparent from the exterior. Inside the attic, sagging and staining due to leakage are signs that a deteriorating roof deck needs repair or replacement.

3 – Clean Debris from Roof

Decomposing leaves and other organic material promotes the growth of fungus and bacteria. These microorganisms produce chemicals that gradually deteriorate roofing materials. Often rainfall doesn’t remove stuck, rotting leaves and professional cleaning is advised.

4 – Make Sure Attic is Ventilated

An under-ventilated attic becomes a broiling oven in summer, with temperatures approaching 150 degrees. Extreme heat can damage the underside of the roof deck, causing warping that dislodges shingles and triggers leaks. Roofing professionals can verify whether attic vents are functional and provide sufficient airflow to keep temperatures down.

5 – Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters become very heavy due to the weight of trapped water and debris and can damage the house as they sag and separate. In addition, water cascading down exterior siding from a clogged gutter can penetrate the wall space and cause interior water damage.

6 – Repair Flashing

Over time, flashing that prevents water infiltration around the chimney and roof vents may dislodge, become bent or the sealant may deteriorate.

7- Beware of Tree Limbs

Tree limbs in contact with roofing may cause wear and tear and/or dislodge shingles. These limbs require trimming. For safety’s sake, a heavy overhanging limb may need to be removed entirely to prevent severe roof damage if the limb breaks.

8 – Severe Weather

After an episode of extreme weather—hail from a severe thunderstorm or high winds are examples—it’s a good idea to have an inspection and roof repair by a qualified professional completed  before the next rain brings leakage and more damage.

Contact Local Professionals

For help getting your roof in shape for the next season, contact our team at Straight Line Construction.