Ways To Avoid Common Roofing Problems Home Improvement by Savannah Coulsen - September 3, 2014 Here are 4 Ways To Avoid Roofing Problems Did you know that most of the common roofing problems are easily avoidable if you spend time and money focused on maintenance? With the roof being the most essential elements of a property that makes a house livable and that keeps the outside elements out of the space, it is extremely important to pay attention to it. Failing to maintain your roof can lead to serious leaks, problems with the structure of your home, damage to your belongings, expensive replacement bills and even mold. Here are the most effective ways to avoid problems: Regular Cleanings You look after the inside of your home and clean it regularly, but do you pay the same amount of attention to your roof. Your roofing materials are exposed to all of the elements every year, from the wind and rain, to the hail and falling leaves. As your roof contends with everything that Mother Nature has to throw at it it can sustains some damage. By investing your time to have your roof professionally cleaned regularly, you can inspect the vulnerable areas for damage that you may have missed otherwise. Image credit – www.ladefe.tv Inspect Flashing and Roofing Materials Regularly Almost every roof springs a leak at some point in time. According to A Clark Roofing & Siding Ltd., one of the many Edmonton roofing companies, the most common cause of roofing damage is caused by water. If your tiles or shingles are cracked or worn, the water can seep through the flashing materials and to the ceiling and wall joints. Regularly inspecting your shingles, tiles, flashing, and acute places where water can find its way through is important. Be sure to do this before the rainy season to ensure your roof can withstand the rain and moisture. Clear Accumulating Debris You should clear the debris and fallen leaves that accumulate on your roof that can attract dirt. By doing this, you do not have to worry about foliage attracting dirt that can stain the roof and lead to unsightly spots. This will also help keep your drainage pipes from clogging, which can damage your roofing tiles and flashing. Pay Attention to Gutters and Down Pipes Gutters and down pipes direct water away from your roof so that it does not sit and lead to damage. Water is heavy, and when it sits stagnant it can damage materials and the foundation of the roofing system. If the down pipes and the gutters have dirt and debris, wash it free immediately before the next rain comes. You can easily detect roofing problems early on if you pay attention and you look for the signs. Do not be oblivious to the red flags that signify a problem and be sure to commit to adequate maintenance on a routine basis. www.ladefe.tv