2020 was full of surprises, and it looks like 2021 is shaping up to be much of the same. In terms of weather, you know there is a lot of unpredictability; so preparing your roof for the worst case scenario is necessary. If you aren’t ready and your roof is run down, then you may end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs.
That is why we are sharing some tips with you, so your roof can meet 2021 head on and come out unscathed.
Here are ways to prepare your roof for 2021:
1. Give the Gutters Love
Gutters are important. Think of them as the veins of the roof. When the gutters get stopped up with debris, the water gets pooled up and cannot flow. That could cause a backflow into the exposed sections of the roof. Secondly, when the gutters may get too heavy, the nails could pull out from the side of the house, damaging it.
2. Note the Flashings
A typical trouble spot for roofing is the flashing, which are thin sheets of metal meant to add a water-tight seal to seams and joints in the roof. Faulty flashing stems from poor installation, which, in turn, will leave spaces for water to seep. When you are doing a visual roof inspection, make sure you are looking at the edges near windows, the chimney, and other places where flashing is installed.
3. Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Even if your roof looks spotless and new, you shouldn’t sleep on getting a professional over to have a look around. There could be problems that the naked, untrained eye cannot spot. With a professional, you know for sure that they are going to get into the nooks and crannies of the roof. Once they are done with the check up, the roof inspector will be able to give you some recommendations about what to do. From there, if you have any repairs to get done, you can contact a contractor.
4. Mingle With the Shingles
Shingles may be made to keep the weather out, but the weather is certainly going to do a number on the rooftop. High winds can rip off weakened shingles. Downpours can shed the granules. Then there is age-related curling, cracking, and peeling. So, you need to check out the health of your shingles throughout the year. If you spot any problems, you need to remedy that right away.
5. Don’t Forget the Attic
The outside of the roof is only the beginning. Like a cake, there are layers to the roof, and that attic happens to be part of it. Certain issues can stem from the attic or affect the attic. In turn, that can impact your entire home. For example, if the insulation in the attic was not installed properly, the trapped heat could potentially cause the shingles on the outside to warp. Similarly, if there is a puncture mark or water damage, the attic may become a hot spot for mold.
Wrapping Up
Start the year off right by devoting some extra time to ensuring your roof is properly maintained. As long as you keep up with its health throughout the year, you shouldn’t have any major roof problems.